Advantages of Optical Fibre

Let us see the advantages of optical fiber communication over conventional communication system.

1. Enormous Bandwidths

                             The information carrying capacity of a transmission system is directly proportional to the carrier frequency of the transmitted signals. The optical carrier frequency is in the range of 10¹⁴ Hz while the radio frequency is about 10⁶  Hz. Thus the optical fibres have enormous transmission bandwidths and high data rate. Using wavelength division multiplexing operation, the data rate or information carrying capacity of optical fibres is enhanced to many orders of magnitude.

 

2. Low transmission loss

                             

                               Due to the usage of ultra low loss fibres and the erbium doped silica fibres as optical amplifiers, one can achieve almost loss less transmission. Hence for long distance communication fibres of 0.002 dB/km are used. Thus the repeater spacing is more than 100 km.

 

3. Immunity to cross talk

 

                               Since optical fibres are dielectric wave guides, they are free from any electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Since optical interference among different fibres is not possible, cross talk is negligble even many fibres are cabled together.

 

4. Electrical Isolation

 

                              Optical fibres are made from silica which is an electrical insulator. Therefore they do not pick up any electromagnetic wave or any high current lightening. It is also suitable in explosive environment.

 

5. Small size and weight

 

                               The size of the fiber ranges from 10 micrometres to 50 micrometres which is very very small. The space occupied by the fiber cable is negligibly small compared to conventional electrical cables. Optical fibers are light in weight. These advantages make them to use in aircrafts and satellites more effectively.

 

6. Signal security

 

                               The transmitted signal through the fibre does not radiate. Unlike in copper cables, a transmitted signal cannot be drawn from a fiber without tampering it. Thus, the optical fiber communication provides 100%  signal security.

 

7. Ruggedness and flexibility

 

                               The fibre cable can be easily bend or twisted without damaging it. Further the fiber cables are superior than the copper cables in terms of handling, installation, stroage, transportation, maintenance, strength and durability.

 

8. Low cost and availability

 

                               Since the fibres are made of silica which is available in abundance. Hence, there is no shortage of material and optical fibers offer the potential for low cost communication.

 

9. Reliability

 

                              The optical fibres are made from silicon glass which does not undergo any chemical reaction or corrosion. Its quality is not affected by external radiation. Further due to its negligible attenuation and dispersion, optical fiber communication has high reliability. All the above factors also tend to reduce the expenditure on its maintenance.