Telecommunications using fiber optics
Fiber optic communications have transformed the telecommunications industry. Over many years of consistent reliability, fiber has become the predominant choice for Ethernet backbone infrastructure, high-speed Internet services, and general data networking.
Today, optical fiber has become increasingly common in small
and medium business networks. To support IP communications, bandwidth must be
increased to support devices based on IP technology, such as VoIP phones, IP
cameras, and video conferencing units. Due to its massive throughput
capabilities, fiber optics can support bandwidth-hungry devices without issue.
However, optical fiber comes at a cost. Installation is
still more expensive than installing traditional copper cabling and many
businesses still don't see the need for fiber in their networks. However, the
following four benefits certainly outweigh the installation costs.
1. Secure Communication:
An extremely secure communication method is fiber optic cable. The construction of the wiring makes the interception of transmission
signaling extremely difficult. Any attempt to penetrate the glass cable will
cause a "light leak" which, in turn, will cause noticeable
degradation in communications.
2. Electromagnetic Compatibility:
Fiber optic cabling resists many outside forces that degrade
copper cabling. In areas such as industrial facilities where large motors,
controllers, and air conditioners constantly start and stop, fiber optic
cabling is highly recommended. Electromagnetic Interference and Radio Frequency
Interference (EM/RFI) from equipment can cause data loss increasing latency on
packet streams as they traverse the network.
3. Speed:
There is a speed difference between copper and fiber optic
cabling several times. Small-diameter glass fibers can support bandwidth speeds
above 10 gigabits per strand. Although copper cabling can support these speeds,
it would take a multitude of large-diameter Category 6 cables aggregated to
achieve the speeds of a fiber strand.
4. Distance:
Fiber optic cable is the ideal medium for point-to-point
communications over long distances. The 328-foot limit on traditional copper
wiring limits long-distance communications requiring the need for additional
equipment to extend the signal. Towards the maximum reach of the copper cables,
the attenuation will begin to set in causing a slight reduction in speeds on
gigabit transmissions. Fiber cables are far superior and cheaper for
long-distance connectivity with the ability to reach over 10 gigabytes of speed
over 40 km in length.
Since 1999, Litech has offered a full range of product lines
featuring reliable Ethernet infrastructures, wide temperature tolerance, and rugged
enclosure designs. Our industrial switches (Ethernet managed and unmanaged)
have various fiber options to suit your specific application. Our team of
engineers can help you create custom business solutions. If you would like to
speak with one of our design specialists, or sales engineers, or have general
industrial networking questions, please feel free to contact us at (+92)
41 262 6672 - (+92)
310 0924444 or email us. Email info@litech.com.pk.
Must Read:
Benefits and Drawbacks of Optical Fiber
Enabling the Future: Understanding the Uses of Fiber Optic Cables
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