Page 32 - Optical Switching And Networking Handbook

Introduction to Optical Communications 17

problematic. Actually, the light’s reflections and refractions can be
changed significantly, causing character changes in the cable.
Therefore, only skilled personnel today can splice the cables
properly.
6. A fiber is thinner than a human hair. Fibers are 8 to 10 microns
or 50 to 62.5 microns thick. One micron (1 m) is 1/250th the
thickness of a human hair. This thickness (thinness) represents the
advantages of the glass itself. It is lighter and easier to handle. It is
immune to the mechanical problems of copper. It carries thousands
of times the information of copper wire.
7. As radio spectrum becomes more scarce and the need for more
information-carrying capacity increases, many utility companies are
finding it cost-effective to install fiberoptic communications
networks.

Fiber Myths

Many common misconceptions about optical fiber technology slip
into any discussion. Optical fiber, optical systems, optical networks,
optical technology—What does this “opto” jargon mean? It means
optoelectronic technology: the transmission of voice, data, and video
using pulses of light instead of electricity. Because we discussed the
facts earlier, we should now clear up some of the misconceptions
related to fiber and consider “the facts” about fiber’s technical merits
and capabilities. The myths include the following:

1. Fiber is the most expensive wiring option. Actually, fiber is
exceptionally cost competitive when compared with coaxial cable
and copper twisted-pair cable for most applications. Over the long
term, fiber is actually the least expensive option.
When considering fiber, it is important to look at the total picture.
Factors to consider when projecting network costs are the life of the
network, the life of the system, the need to upgrade the system for
future capacity requirements, and the possibility of generating
revenue by leasing reserve capacity to other carriers. Compared