To understand fiber, you have to first understand networks – essentially the linking of computers so they can talk to each other. One of the ways those computers are linked is with fiber optic cables.

How do fiber optic cables work? Optical networking involves three components:

• Lasers that produce light at precise wavelengths.
• Optical fibers to transport light from one location to another.
• Receivers or sensors to detect the transmitted light.

Although metallic cables, such a copper, have long been used for communication networks, fiber is a better choice because of its expanded capabilities.

• Fiber cables can be longer because signals travel across fiber without losing information.
• Optical fiber cables can carry enormous amounts of information.  A strand of fiber has 65,000 times as much capacity as a traditional circuit.
• Fiber can carry information without interruption. It carries light pulses that are not impacted by things like radio frequency or electromagnetic interference.

At Spirit Telecom, we believe in the benefits of fiber and have an extensive fiber network. We are currently expanding our fiber optic network through downtown Greenville, S.C., to expand our networking capabilities.

So, if you start your day at your computer, maybe fiber really is for breakfast.

(Source: Optical Networking for Dummies)