Network Consultants Handbook

Chapter 14. Fiber-Optic Technology

The foundation of any optical system is the fiber-optic cabling. Basic fiber cables consist of the following components:

• Silica core—. This is located at the center of the cable. This object and the cladding are used for carrying the optic, or lightwave, signal.

• Cladding—. This is also located at the center of the cable. This object and the silica core are used for carrying the optic, or lightwave, signal.

• Coating, strength members, and a plastic jacket—. This encloses the fiber, providing the necessary tinsel and scratch resistance to protect the fibers.

• Transceivers—. This is attached to both ends of the core for emitting and receiving the light pulses that form the information bits in the optical network. The ...