The Benefits And Risks Of Fiber Optics

By Amanda Bean


The talks about fiber optics have been in existence ever since long ago. This is because the concept of a fast Internet connection via light reflection has started long ago. Even if this is the case, there are only a few places that use an all-optical network. It is still not a common option because of some flaws and other similar things.

Even if the said network is still far from getting developed realistically, people should already be made aware of it. It will be beneficial for them if they have an idea on what the pros and cons are of this option. Here are the pros and cons that the people should know about when it comes to this kind of network.

In the advantageous side, there are a lot of people who will appreciate taking advantage of the available bandwidth capacity of the said network. Compared to electrical signals, the capacity for information of an optical signal is three hundred times higher. It makes the connection flow faster and more information are exchanged.

Another advantage to this option is the signal reliability. People know that electrical signals are prone to electromagnetic interference. This interference will increase the bit error rate of electrical systems. On the other hand, the optical signals are not affected by this interference. Thus, there is a smaller bit error rate.

The person has to think about the size and weight too. The optical fibers usually have a size of at least ten micrometers. This size can be compared to a fifth of the diameter of human hair. The weight of this option, when it has a length of one kilometer, will be approximately six kilograms. It is definitely smaller and lighter than the coaxial cables.

If there are pros, there are surely cons to the said option. Since this is the case, it is better to have a look at the disadvantages of this option too. First of all, there is a problem with how much this product cost. There is a reason why only big enterprises can afford to get optical fibers as backbone for their network. If this is deployed to homes, then the cost will be exorbitant for one subscriber.

The physical constraints of the said product will also serve as its disadvantage. It is an extremely fragile item. The optical fibers must never be bended too much. Otherwise, its light reflecting properties will be lost. If the optical fibers are damaged, the cost and complexity of the repairs will prove to be troublesome.

Traffic switching is also a troublesome issue when it comes to this matter. The switching technology for this option might be advancing fast nowadays but it still cannot match the cost-efficiency and flexibility of the electrical switching solutions.

The pros and cons are not limited to the aforementioned, though. People should take account all information about using fiber optics. This is so that they can make a more appropriate decision in the end. This way, they can enjoy the benefits and withstand the consequences of using the said network easily.




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