Page 61 - Optical Switching And Networking Handbook

03_200023_CH02/Batesx 1/17/01 8:17 AM Page 46

46 Chapter 2

Figure 2-13 shows a bending radius that is better designed to keep
the light in the fiber.This enables a smoother flow of the data around
the bends when the fiber is installed properly.The amounts of reflec-
tion and refraction work better in this case so that the light makes it
to the far end.

Sending Light Down the Wires

In order to send data down the fiber, a light source is needed.The two
most common light sources are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and
lasers. LEDs are usually less expensive and are used in many corpo-
rate networks, although they are not limited to that application.

Figure 2-13
If the bending
angle is correct, TEAMFLY
the light moves
around the bend.

®
Team-Fly