Fiber optics refers to the technology of transmitting light down

Fiber optics refers to the technology of transmitting light down thin strands of highly transparent material, usually glass but sometimes plastic. Fiber optics is used in communications, lighting, medicine, optical inspections and to make sensors. The FOA is primarily interested in communications fiber optics, so this book will focus on that application.

Fiber Optics in communications works by sending light signals down hair thin strands of glass fiber (and sometimes plastic fiber.) It began about 40 years ago in the R&D labs (Corning, Bell Labs, ITT UK, etc.) and was first installed commercially in Dorset, England by STC and Chicago, IL, USA in 1976 by AT&T. By the early 1980s, fiber telecommunications networks connected the major cities on each coast.

By the mid-80s, fiber was replacing all the telco copper, microwave and satellite links. In the 90s, transoceanic fiber optic cables replaced satellites between most continents. Now fiber has become cost effective for direct connection to the home.

CATV discovered fiber in the mid-1990s and used it first to enhance the reliability of their networks, a big problem. Along the way, they discovered they could offer phone and Internet service on that same fiber and greatly enlarged their markets. As cell phones took hold in the market, their backbones were built on fiber.

November 30, 2011

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