Why Are Two Strands Of Fiber Used For A Single Fiber Optic Connection?

Why are two strands of fiber used for a single fiber-optic connection?

The two strands of the optical fiber are used for the optic connection because it allows the data flow for a long distance, it prevents interference during the connection. It allows the full-duplex connection because in the fiber optic the light travels only in one direction at a time so the two strands are needed for it.

Optical fiber and its working

The latest technology is used for the transmission of the data using the light from the cables which are made of glass or plastic. Mostly the metal wire is suitable for the optical cable because the signal travels with less damage. Total internal reflection is used in the fiber optics cable. According to the transmission distance and power requirement, the optic cable is designed and allows the propagation of the light. The fiber optics have different types in which the single mode is for longer distances while the multimode is for a shorter distance.

Types of fiber optics 

The optical fiber type is defined with the help of the refractive index, propagation, and the material of which it is made. the division is listed below:

Step index graded fibers: It consists of the single index of refraction and the cladding surrounds the core.

Graded index fibers: The distance from the axis raise the refractive index will decrease gradually.

Glass fiber: The fiber cable is made up of glass.

Single-mode fiber: The single mode is for long distances.

Multimode: The multi-mode is used for the transmission between short distances.

Operations of the optical fiber

The fiber optics work according to the total internal reflection as the light transfers a large amount of data in a straight line, so if there is no bend in the cable it will be a difficult task to handle the data. That’s why the fiber optic is bendable, it can bend all the waves inward. The waves will bounce back in the fiber optics due to internal reflection.

The optical fiber signals are also lost and degrade but it is much less than the metal cables. The system of the optical fiber has different components such as:

Transmitter: the signal is produced with the help of the transmitter and makes them ready to transmit.

Optical fiber: it is used as the medium for the transmission of the signals.

Receiver: the signal from the transmitter is decoded with the help of the receiver.

Regenerator: It is used for long-distance transmission.

Advantages and disadvantages of fiber optics:

The advantages of fiber optics are in the following:

• It has higher bandwidth.
• Light travel in a long distance.
• Interference is less in optical fiber.

The disadvantages of the optical fiber are:

• It is quite expensive than copper wire.
• The glass fiber is over-sensitive.
• Installation is difficult.

Uses of fiber optics

Fiber optics is used in different areas which are given below:

• Military services for communication.
• Broadcasting by means of transmission.
• In the field of medical science for accurate vision.