Many of you may have heard about optical fibre and that it can improve broadband speed. But that might just be about all you know; there are a number of different reasons why you should have fibre optics. However, you should be well informed about how it works and what it is before going ahead with the installation. So here we are going to explain what is optical fibre and answer the most frequently asked questions about this subject.

Precisely what is optical fibre?

Optical fibre carries coded information across small glass-like fibres using light or infrared signals and can hold more information than an ordinary cable such as copper. Standard cables contain an analogue signal, which usually varies, in amplitude or frequency and can sometimes be both. Whereas fibre optics use a digital signal, which carries more information, but also at a much higher quality meaning it doesn’t lose any data over long distances.

An optical fibre is a long piece of high-quality glass, lightweight the light travelling through the fibre is undisturbed even when going through bends. Fibre optics can carry more information in a smaller bit of fibre compared to standard cabling systems. Any noise that is collected on the travel of digital information is a lot lower than normal cabling, however, can still be heard if being used for a radio signal. While the noise is a lot quieter, it doesn’t disturb the signal, which means the information being sent is not interrupted and maintains its high quality.

How many strands are needed?

Typically you only need one or more strands of glass. Something that you may not know about fibre is that it is no thicker than a single strand of human hair.

What is fibre optics typically used for?

One of the most prominent uses of fibre optics is telephony centres and connections hubs. With high speed and quality, it offers great uses for these services without data being interrupted. Additionally, many security systems are now moving to fibre optic cabling, due to distance and EMI requirements.

Data centres are often the heart of any business, and you will need to ensure that all data transmitted from this centre is safe and secure. Using fibre optics is a great way for this data and information to travel to its end source. In the digital age, your business is always at risk of others trying to hack or fraud. Fibre optics offer a safer options, due to the data travelling through the centre of the cable meaning the information cannot be radiated outside of the wire.

Small Data Centre

Is fibre more difficult to install than copper?

This will generally depend on the training your provider or technician has; you can find contractors that have relevant qualifications. A lot of installers today are often fitting this mode of cabling and are used to the technology.

Will it survive harsh conditions?

Optical fibre isn’t the normal glass used that you would typically drink out of. It’s an extremely strong material and can endure a lot of harsh weather conditions. It has the ability to exposure such as extreme temperature changes and pressure. Fibreglass is also coated with an outer jacket which also helps protects the fibres.

What is fibre optic broadband?

As previously mentioned fibre optics are a lot faster than average or traditional Internet cabling systems. Due to the data being sent travelling literally at the speed of light, meaning broadband is significantly faster. It’s a useful thing to have as it can not only improve broadband speed but it is a lot more reliable and safer to use. It allows a lot more devices to connect to the connection and won’t affect the speed of data, meaning your Netflix will no longer buffer.

Fibre optics are excellent for both home and business; you may want to think about upgrading if this is an option available to you.

Why should I get fibre?

You might want to consider having fibre if you have a large household, you might find that on traditional cable with more than three people connected your Internet is slow, and you’re struggling to connect. If your home or business has a significant amount of gadgets including computers, tablets, smartphones, smart TV’s and games consoles, this is all connecting to your Internet. Before making the decision to move to fibre optics you might want to take a look at BroadbandChoices.co.uk for more information on prices.

Digital Optical Fibre

Uses of fibre optics

Business

Networking between computers within a business can sometimes be frustrating when sending large files or sensitive information. Fibre optics eliminates this frustration and can instantly improve the speed files are sent.

Surgery

A lot of you may not know that fibre optics can actually be used in other fields as well as business. Fibre optical cabling can be sued in theatre for endoscopy; the bright lights are used to brighten the area of the body that needs surgery making it easier for the surgeon to see and also reducing the number of incisions needed.

Automotive industry

Fibre optic cables are widely used in many vehicles, with a lot of interior and exterior lighting systems using it. The fibre optic cabling can also transmit information from one part of the car to another at lightning speed improve the performance of the car. Using this type of cabling ensures the vehicles are a lot safer and is mostly used with the traction control unit and airbags within the car.

Summary

Fibre optical cabling is brilliant for business and home use, we most definitely recommend having it installed. While making your business run quicker than before you are also making your business safer and reducing the risk of hacking and fraud. It can survive any harsh temperature changes and often isn’t affected by severe weather conditions, meaning it’s incredibly reliable. If you are thinking about having fibre optics contact a fibre cable installer who can give you more information and answer any additional unanswered questions in this article.

We hope this helped any of your queries about the uses and how fibre optics work. For more information on the benefits, fibre optics can have on your business take a look at our blog post by clicking here.

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