Different Components of a Fiber Optic Cable
Prior to the creation of fiber optic cables, the ability to transmit data across considerable distances at the speed of light was nothing more than a fanciful concept. Today, fiber optic cables help enable long-distance communication and serve as an invaluable means of connecting our world. Despite their advanced communication capabilities, fiber optic cables have a relatively simple design. To learn about the different components of a fiber optic cable, continue reading.
Cable Jacket
The outside of a fiber optic cable is composed of a cable jacket or coating. This sheathing serves to protect the cable from any environmental hazards, such as harsh weather conditions. It prevents scrapes, nicks, bends, shocks, and moisture from causing damage to the cable’s cladding and other important components discussed below.
Without a cable jacket, fiber optic cables would be extremely fragile. All fiber optic cables feature a coating of acrylate, silicone, carbon, polyimide, or other protective materials.
Strengthening Fibers
Like the cable jacket, strengthening fibers serve to protect the fiber optic cable. These strong fibers prevent crushing forces and excessive tension from damaging the fragile core of the cable. Typically, strengthening fibers in a fiber optic cable are composed of wire strands or Kevlar.
Cladding
Another one of the different components of a fiber optic cable is cladding. This important layer is located between the cable jacket and the core of the cable. It reflects light and prevents it from escaping. This happens because it has a lower refractive index than the cable’s core.
Core
The core of a fiber optic cable is typically made of an extremely pure glass or plastic material. It serves as the physical medium for transmitting optical signals from the light source to the receiving device.
In addition to being the most important component of a fiber optic cable, it is also the smallest. Generally, the core of a fiber optic cable is between 3.7 and 200 micrometers.
