What is Fiber Optic Cable?

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Fiber Optic Cable Explained

Fiber Optic Cable Networks Allow for Rapid Data Transmission

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Using light signals to transmit data, fiber optic cable is at the forefront of the technological revolution.  This light is made up of photons when applied to fiber optics travel at approximately 125000 miles per second (mps) through a small 250 micron glass fibers.  The cable sheath helps to contain the photons which would dissipate if not protected and allows them to bounce chaotically down the line.  This chaotic movement is what helps to explain the speeds achieved through fiber optics.  The high data transmission rate can literally travel across the country in milliseconds. Though it needs to have the fiber optic highway in place to complete the journey.

You may be asking how to install fiber optic cable at this point and how can your home utilize it as the benefit is so massive.  Well, it all begins with choosing to install the cable using underground or aerial means.  Either a trench is dug or cable support poles are installed in the ground (sometimes existing aerial cable infrastructure is used).  The cable is then placed in the trench (directly or in a special protective duct) or attached to the support poles and strung high over the ground below.   Keeping the cable safe from the elements is a high priority and both underground and aerial cabling come with some risk in this respect.  This is where highly skilled fiber optic cable splicing or joining technicians enter the project.  Great care must be taken to prevent any damage to the cable throughout the installation and splicing process. Splicing is essentially joining two lengths of cable together while protecting it from any particulate, humidity and insects/rodents.

In terms of application fiber optic cable can be used for both cable TV and internet providing a quality user experience with little lag time.  For cable TV it can provide a 4K+ picture without pixelation or loading time, usually a high definition cable box is used to convert the signal to a HDTV.   Using worthy components that match the speed of fiber optic like appropriate HDMI cables will help to get the full benefit of fiber.  For internet, the fiber optic cable network is connected to a high speed modem which then converts the signal to ethernet.  Again using the appropriate component cables here ie. CAT 6 will ensure a positive user experience and maximize the transmission rates to your router or device.  

Are you still stuck on copper cable and wanting to upgrade to fiber optic cable? Yes, the benefits are glaring, while data transmission rates are limited by the speed an electron can travel in copper cable, fiber optic can travel at the speed of light.  Not to mention fiber optic cable is also highly resistant to the elements (when properly joined) in comparison to copper cable.  In any event it comes down to the skill and experience of the technician installing the cable.  Every minute new fiber optic cable infrastructure is being spliced and installed throughout the world.  With this continued growth, costs will be lowered and it will be coming to many more rural communities soon eventually spanning the entire globe. With 25 years of experience Cowboy Splicing envisions fiber optic cable networks attached to every home worldwide in the near future.  Contact us to discuss your project goals and where our qualified technicians can assist in meeting your goals.  

what is fiber optic cable?
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How is Fiber Optic Cable Made?

The complexity of fiber optic cable manufacturing begins with purified glass fibers.  The fibers are wrapped around a steel or plastic core.  A layer of protection is added and finally cladding the cable is a plastic based cover. 

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How is Copper Cable Made?

Elemental copper is malleable and can be used in alloys to create long strands of copper for cable.  Then adding a plastic cover to insulate the copper and finally a sheathing with a protective cover.

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