Thanks to advancements in the fiber optic infrastructure, we’re likely to see faster speeds at lower costs.
Thanks to many new advancements in fiber optics, researchers are looking into the potential of being able to double the capacity of fiber-optic circuits. This would allow us to run fiber over longer distances that carries more data and still manages to cost less. Data transfer and fiber optics, much like storage space or processing power, has increased exponentially in recent years and seems to show no signs of slowing down. How have fiber optics been advancing and what can we expect to see in the near future?
How Does it Work?
To understand the advancements in fiber optic infrastructure, it’s important that we first understand what might limit fiber-optic circuits first. Fiber optic cables work by transmitting beams of light that are packed inside of fiber-optic glass wires. This light needs to be amplified and recreated at regular intervals, being transmitted over thousands of miles and converted from light to electricity. The conversion process in particular is a huge limiter on how much data we’re able to transmit over fiber.
Making Data Easier (and faster)
In response to this hurdle, researchers have looked into finding ways of making the data transmitted via laser beams easier to decipher. To do this, they’ve created “guardrails” for the light beams using a device called a frequency comb, which is able to encode the information before it is transmitted. In turn, this allows for data to be accurately transmitted over longer distances without those difficult conversion needs that can be costly and inefficient.
Why Does it Matter?
This is one step towards an “all-optical” network, which would be less expensive than traditional fiber networks and would carry far more data. While optical networks have been around since the 1980s, it wasn’t until the growth of the internet–and the need for faster data transfer speeds–that we began to see fiber networks being utilized more often. That said, there’s a lot of improvement ahead of us that will likely see even more advancements in fiber optics and far more fiber being installed worldwide.
Get in Touch with FiberPlus
FiberPlus has been providing fiber optic structured cabling and data communication solutions for over 25 years in the Mid Atlantic Region and for a number of different markets. What began as a cable installation company for Local Area Networks has grown into a leading provider of innovative technology solutions improving the way our customers communicate and keeping them secure. Our solutions now include:
- Structured Cabling (inside and outside plant)
- Electronic Security Systems (Access Control & CCTV Solutions)
- Distributed Antenna Systems
- Public Safety DAS
- Audio/Video Services (Intercoms and Display Monitors)
- Support Services
- Specialty Systems
- Design/Build Services
FiberPlus promises the communities in which we serve that we will continue to expand and evolve as new technology is introduced within the telecommunications industry.
Have any questions? Interested in one of our services? Call FiberPlus today 800-394-3301, email us at info@fiberplusinc.com, or visit our contact page. Our offices are located in the Washington, DC metro area, Richmond, VA, and Columbus, OH. In Pennsylvania, please call Pennsylvania Networks, Inc. at 814-259-3999.
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