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Summary:
The Advantages of Fibre Optic Systems
Our current "age of technology" is the result of many brilliant inventions and discoveries, but it is SpaceNet's ability to transmit information, and the media we use to do it, that is perhaps most responsible for its evolution. Progressing from the copper wire of a century ago to today’s fibre optic cable, our increasing ability to transmit more information, quickly and over longer distances has expanded the boundaries of our technological development in all areas.
Today’s low-loss glass fibre optic cable offers almost unlimited bandwidth and unique advantages over all previously developed transmission media.
Fibre optic transmission systems offer a wide range of benefits not offered by traditional copper wire or coaxial cable. These include:
| 1 |
The ability to carry much more information and deliver it with greater fidelity than either copper wire or coaxial cable. |
| 2 |
Fibre optic cable can support much higher data rates, and at greater distances, than coaxial cable, making it ideal for transmission of serial digital data. |
| 3 |
The fibre is totally immune to virtually all kinds of interference, including lightning, and will not conduct electricity. It can therefore come in direct contact with high voltage electrical equipment and power lines. It will also not create ground loops of any kind. |
| 4 |
As the basic fibre is made of glass, it will not corrode and is unaffected by most chemicals. It can be buried directly in most kinds of soil or exposed to most corrosive atmospheres in chemical plants without significant concern. |
| 5 |
Since the only carrier in the fibre is light, there is no possibility of a spark from a broken fibre. Even in the most explosive of atmospheres, there is no fire hazard, and no danger of electrical shock to personnel repairing broken fibres. |
| 6 |
Fibre optic cables are virtually unaffected by outdoor atmospheric conditions, allowing them to be lashed directly to telephone poles or existing electrical cables without concern for extraneous signal pickup. |
| 7 |
A fibre optic cable, even one that contains many fibres, is usually much smaller and lighter in weight than a wire or coaxial cable with similar information carrying capacity. It is easier to handle and install, and uses less duct space. (It can frequently be installed without ducts.) |
| 8 |
Fibre optic cable is ideal for secure communications systems because it is very difficult to tap but very easy to monitor. In addition, there is absolutely no electrical radiation from a fibre. |
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