Block Diagram of optical fiber communication system
Structure of optical fiber Core: - This is the light transmission area of the fiber , either glass or plastic . Cladding: It helps to keep the light within the core throughout the phenomena of total internal reflection. Buffer Coating: - plastic coating that protects the fiber made of silicon rubber. Outer jacket : It is the part of the container that encases the inner tank and its insulation system.
Classification of optical fiber Optical fiber is classified into two categories based on:- The number of modes- Single mode fiber (SMF) and Multi-mode fiber (MMF) The refractive index- Step index optical fiber Graded- index optical fiber
Core diameter. Signal Transfer. Bandwidth. Distance.
Step Index Fiber: Core and Cladding have constant and different refractive index. Low bandwidth . Attenuation is more for MMSI. Light propagation is zig-zag. Less expensive to manufacture due to simpler construction. Suitable for short distance communication. Graded Index Fiber: Refractive index gradually decreases from center to outer cladding. High bandwidth compared to step index fiber. Attenuation is very less in graded index fiber. Light propagation is helical. More expensive to manufacture due to complex construction. Suitable for long-distance communication.
Advantages of optical fiber The data transmission speed using optical fiber cable is very very high because of the speed of the light is very high. Any electrical and magnetic interference cannot affect the light. The equal quantity of optical fiber is cheaper than copper or aluminum wires. The fiber optics are very thin in size and very light in weight. The fiber optic cable has a very high bandwidth. There is very low loss occurs in optical fiber. Disadvantages : The initial installation cost is higher due to expensive optical transmitter and receiver. Moreover it requires specific tools for maintenance and repair. Fiber optic system can not carry electrical power which is often requirement at terminal equipments /devices.
Application of optical fiber Data Transmission Telecommunication Medical Industry Military Communication Networking Light Distribution Broadcasting Inspection