Without glass, fiber optic technology would not exist, and our internet would look a lot different.
Without glass, fiber optic technology would not exist, and our internet would look a lot different. The art of glasswork has taken thousands of years to perfect. With the discovery of fiberglass and new glasswork techniques, humans have created the world we live in today.
How Are Fiber Optics and Glass Related?
Understanding where technology comes from can inform how we use it. Glass is made from heating sand (silica) to an extremely high temperature. Once heated, the sand melts into glass and can be molded into whatever shape you want. During the age of the Roman Empire, glassworkers would stretch glass into malleable fibers they then used in designs. These fibers are what we use to create fiber optics today.
What Does Glass Do in Fiber Optic Technology?
Fiber optic technology are cables that contain thousands of fragile glass fibers that carry light signals from one point to another. In 1840, a pair of physicists discovered light can travel along a single stream of water. In 1854, another physicist proved that light can travel along a single stream of water that is curved. In the twentieth century, scientists focused on using this knowledge to advance optical fibers. These optical fibers are what light energy travels through in fiber optics today. The light energy that is carried is the internet.
Glass is Fragile. How Does Fiber Optics Fix That?
Yes, glass is fragile. But glass is also incredibly strong if constructed properly. Several layers of rubber bind fiber optic cables to keep the electrical signals pumping. Rubber is an insulator, meaning it keeps electrical signals from jumping out of the circuit. Fiber optic cables are bendable to certain degrees. As long as the curve does not refract the signal too much, a fiber optic cable can be bent pretty far. Today, fiber optic cables are labeled to what degree they can bend and how durable a cable is.
Get in Touch with FiberPlus
FiberPlus has been providing data communication solutions for over 25 years in the Mid Atlantic Region 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 (Fiberoptic, Copper and Coax for inside and outside plant networks)
- Electronic Security Systems (Access Control & CCTV Solutions)
- Wireless Access Point installations
- Public Safety DAS – Emergency Call Stations
- Audio/Video Services (Intercoms and Display Monitors)
- Support Services
- Specialty Systems
- Design/Build Services
- UL2050 Certifications and installations for Secure Spaces
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.