In order to remain relevant in the field of electrical service provision, an electrician is forced to change with the times. Gone are the days when electrical service providers worked with copper wires. The use of fibre optic technology has caught on and is continually being preferred for transmission of data. As such, every trainee electrical specialist should be familiar with fibre optic technology for a smooth sail into the industry. The answers to the two questions below provide a brief introduction into the world of fibre optics.
What Advantages Does Fibre Optic Technology Provide Over Copper Wire?
The use of fibre optic cable is preferred over the use of copper wires for the transmission of data signals for several reasons. For one, the signals used in fibre optic cables are made of light while signal transmission using copper wires is done using electrons. Because light travels faster than electrons, fibre optic cables are able to transmit signals faster.
Another reason for the preference of fibre optic cables over copper wire is related to the security of signals under transmission. The use of fibre optic technology offers greater security of data as compared to the use of copper wires. This is because fibre optic cables are more difficult to tap into and because physical damage on fibre optic cables is easier to detect. A damaged fibre optic cable will leak light and cause failure of the entire system. Therefore, corrective measures can be taken immediately to avoid loss of data.
Where Is Fibre Optic Technology Applied In Real Life?
Fibre optic technology is widely applied in various economic sectors. Apart from transmitting television signals, fibre optics is also widely used in the military for example. Fibre optic cables are preferred for military use because they have the ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions that are almost synonymous with military-related activity. More importantly, fibre optics is preferred for military use thanks to the increased data security. This is an important advantage considering the highly sensitive nature of military data.
Fibre optic technology is also used in the transportation industry. Optic cables are used to transmit signals that control traffic lights and automated toll booths along busy highways.
For the modern electrician, familiarity with fibre optic technology is an asset that will come in handy in the face of modern-day electrical problems that the electrician will have to deal with in the line of duty.
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