What is Fibre and How Does it Work

Introduction to Fiber Optics in Telecommunications

Fiber optics, comprising thin glass fibers about the thickness of human hair, play a crucial role in telecommunications. They transmit digital signals using infrared laser light, which emits a series of light pulses. These pulses are converted into binary code (1s and 0s), which devices like phones, computers, and TVs use to connect to the internet. This article will explore the history of fiber optics and their significance in providing internet service to a wide audience. Fiber optics, often taken for granted, are essential for modern internet and cellular services.

How Fast are Fiber Optic Cables?

Fiber optic cables are the fastest and most reliable medium for data transmission, boasting the highest bandwidth capacity in telecommunications. Internet bandwidth is measured in bits per second, indicating the volume of binary data transferred each second. For example, streaming services like Netflix may require 5 megabits per second for 1080p content and around 20 megabits per second for 4K content. As of August 14th, 2023, the record for data transmission via a single fiber optic cable pair is 1.84 petabits per second, or 1.84 quadrillion bits per second.

History of Fiber Optics and Internet Development

The origins of fiber optics trace back to ancient times, with the earliest instances of using glass for light transmission found in ancient Egypt. In the 19th century, scientists like Daniel Colladon and John Tyndall experimented with light transmission through water jets and glass rods. The development of practical fiber optics began in the 1950s, culminating in Narinder Singh Kapany and Harold Hopkins achieving successful image transmission through a fiber optic cable in 1953. With the invention of the laser in 1960 and advancements in glass quality in the 1970s, high-capacity, long-distance communication became feasible. The first commercial fiber optic network was launched in Chicago in 1977, followed by rapid expansion in the 1980s. Today, fiber optic networks are still expanding, with many cables from the 1980s still in use.

The Limitations of Copper Cables

Without fiber optics, a global network like today's internet would be impossible. Copper and wireless communications, such as microwaves, experience quicker signal attenuation compared to fiber optics. Copper cables, which transmit signals electrically, are hindered by resistance, leading to noise and reduced signal quality over long distances. Resistance in electrical transmission is similar to friction, affecting the quality and efficiency of signal transmission. Even though coaxial cables are better than twisted pair cables, they cannot match the performance of fiber optics, which transmit high-frequency signals over longer distances without resistance. As a result, fiber optics are often used up to the last mile in internet services, with copper cables covering only the final short distance to homes and businesses.

Will the Internet Ever Be Fully Wireless?

Cell phone towers, which use microwaves for wireless signal transmission, still rely on fiber optics for the backbone of their networks. Wireless signals, although effective for short distances, lose power rapidly over longer distances due to the inverse square law. This limitation means that wireless signals are most effective only for the final leg of transmission to homes and businesses.

The Superiority of Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optics excel at transmitting signals over long distances and at high frequencies by using light, thereby avoiding signal loss due to resistance and the inverse square law. The process of total internal reflection keeps light contained within the cable, allowing for minimal loss even over great distances. Fiber optic cables have been integral to the internet's backbone since its inception, with continual expansion ensuring robust and future-proof communications.

The Rapid Growth of the Internet

Since its public release, the internet has seen exponential growth in users and traffic. From just a few million users in 1990 to over 5 billion today, internet traffic has also surged, demanding advancements in technology and infrastructure. To keep pace with this growth, the expansion of fiber optic networks to homes and businesses is crucial, as copper lines are nearing their capacity limits.