1. Fiber Optic Technology

2. What are fiber optics? Strands of optically pure glass as thin as human hair that carry digital information over long and short distances. Arranged in bundles Fiber Optic cables composed of three parts –Core – glass center where light travels. –Cladding – optical material surrounding the core that keeps the light in the core and reflects it back. –Buffer Coating – Coating that protects the fiber from damage and moisture.

3. Applications of Fiber Optics Communications –Verizon fios –AT&T U-Verse Both companies bundle together TV and Internet Internet speeds from 15 Mbps to 50 Mbps downstream with Verizon –Digital audio TOSLINK originally by Toshiba CD players, DVD players, even used in some gaming systems Uses LED to send information

4. Advantages Less Expensive Thinner –Can be drawn to smaller diameters than copper Higher data capacity Less degradation No interference –Unlike copper, fiber does not suffer from electromagnetic interference Low Power –Signals degrade less thus needing lower power transmitters can be used Non-hazardous –Since there is no electricity there is no danger! Flexible –Medical, mechanical, and plumbing

5. Future Uses Household –Faster internet download speeds –Better quality voice –Used more widely in home audio