Friday, January 17, 2014

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The Pros And Cons 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.

On the advantages side, the user can take advantage of its bandwidth capacity. The optical signals will carry considerably high amount of information that is a far cry from the electrical ones. The optical signals can actually carry a hundred times more information that the copper cables. This will be beneficial for Internet usage.

It is also a good thing in terms of signal reliability. The optical option is not open to electromagnetic interferences, unlike the electrical option. This means that the system for the optical fibers will not suffer signal loss. If there is less to zero signal loss, then the person can expect a small bit error rate.

The person can also consider the size and weight of the optical fibers. When it comes to the size, the optical wires have a size of ten to 50 micrometers. This is comparable to a fifth of a human hair's diameter. When it comes to the weight, one kilometer of this wire can be weighed as much as six kilograms.

Of course, there are consequences to choosing this option too. The first one has something to do with the product's cost. The optical networks of big companies use optical fibers as its backbone since it is economical. However, it will be a different matter when this is deployed at home. The cost is too high for a single 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.

These are just a few of the things that the person has to pay attention to when it comes to using fiber optics. Whether it be for the home or for the business, it is for the best to weigh the pros and cons first before making the final decision. After the person has determined how advantageous this option is, then make the decision.




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