Data and Voice Communication using Optical Fiber

Abstract

Before fiber optics came along, the primary of real-time, reliable data communication was electrical in nature. It was accomplished using copper wire or by transmitting electromagnetic (radio) waves through free space. Fiber optics changed that by providing an alternate means of sending information over significant distances- using light energy. Light, as utilized for communication, has a major advantage because it can be manipulated (modulated) at significantly higher frequencies than electrical signals. For example, a fiber optic cable can carry up to 100 million times more information that a telephone line! The fiber optic cable had lower energy loss and wider bandwidth capabilities than copper wire.