a. What is fibre optics?
b. State two reasons why optical fibres are preferred to copper cables in the telecommunication industry.
Explanation
a. Fiber optics is a technology that uses light to transmit data over long distances. Fiber optic cables are made of thin, flexible strands of glass or plastic that can carry a large amount of data at very high speeds.
b. - Higher bandwidth: Optical fibers can carry a much larger amount of data than copper cables. This is because light travels much faster than electricity and optical fibers can carry more light signals than copper cables can carry electrical signals.
- Longer distances: Optical fibers can transmit data over longer distances than copper cables without signal loss. This is because light signals are less attenuated in optical fibers than electrical signals are in copper cables.
- Immunity to interference: Optical fibers are immune to electrical interference, which can cause problems with copper cables. This is because optical fibers transmit light signals, which are not affected by electrical fields.
- Security: Optical fibers are more secure than copper cables because they are difficult to tap. This is because light signals cannot be detected without damaging the optical fiber.
- Durability: Optical fibers are more durable than copper cables. They are less susceptible to damage from moisture, temperature fluctuations, and physical impact.
- Cost-effectiveness: Optical fibers are becoming more cost-effective than copper cables, especially for high-bandwidth applications. This is because the cost of manufacturing optical fibers has decreased significantly in recent years.