What Is a Fiber-Optic Cable Assembly?

A fiber-optic cable assembly is a collection of parts that includes an optical cable with special connectors on each end. Fiber optics deals with the uses and properties of light, usually of specific wavelength. The optical cable has an inner core that is usually very thin, and is made by drawing molten glass thinly and allowed to solidify in steam, making the resulting cable slightly flexible enough to be rolled. It also has an outer jacket to protect the cable. The fiber optic cable may be used for high-speed data communications, special lighting requirements, and medical applications.

There are several types of fiber optic cable which differ by the nature of the light energy that they convey. Single-mode fiber usually carries one wavelength, while a multi-mode fiber carries several wavelengths at the same time. There are also different types of cable jacket material depending on the location and use of the fiber optic cable.

A fiber-optic cable assembly is used to interconnect high-speed data between common data interconnection equipment, such as hubs, routers, and servers. The low optical loss and good response associated with fiber optical cables make these a good choice for all ranges of data communication connectivity. These systems may use optical regenerators along the path where light energy levels have dropped to maintain an acceptable signal levels.

December 10, 2011

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