The Advantages and Disadvantages to Fiber Optics
You can either love or hate fiber. Maybe this section can help you decide which category you'll fall into. There are many advantages to fiber. It has a very low loss rate, it is very fast, it uses light pulses to transmit data, so there is no electrical signal, which could be interrupted by certain atmospheric conditions, sunspots, microwaves, electromagnetic fields, etc. Also, since it uses light and not electricity, there is no chance a frayed wire would ever start a fire. On the other hand, if you thought getting fiberglass stuck in your skin (like from insulation) was fun, try a strand of fiber optic cable. Another downside to fiber is the cost, and with the wide variety of fiber available today, prices could range from $.75/meter to $ 75.00/meter to $ 725.00 for a 1 kilometer spool. Not to mention the cost of equipment such as converters and laser modems, which is one reason companies haven't "jumped on the bandwagon" just yet. Although, fiber is beginning to make it's way to the last mile, so it looks like Fiber Optics could make it into widespread home use in the near future.

Fiber Optic Transmission
Fiber Optic transmission is different than analog electrical signal transmission. The communication is performed by either LED or ILD. The transmission differs from analog because it is either on or off vice a continuous signal. Each user is assigned a "wavelength" so that many users can transmit and receive on the same strand of fiber. Considering the vast amount of fiber that is already out there, fiber exhaust isn't very likely in my opinion, although some experts feel differently.

Email Me!
The Mail Room

Here's a great Tech Link
Tech links