Lesson 4: Fiber Optic Telecommunications
Objectives:
From this lesson you should learn:
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The architecture of telecommunications systems
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How telecom networks use fiber optics
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How telecom evolved into the Internet
When we say telecommunications or telecom, we are talking about a
subset of communications that has evolved out of the telephone systems
that provided voice communications to practically everyone around the
world since the late 19th century. The development of fiber
optics was all focused on the replacement of the copper cables, wireless
and satellite communications for the worldwide telephone network.
Telephone networks were the first major users of fiber optics primarily
due to economics - fiber was considerably cheaper than other
media. Telcos use fiber to connect all their central offices and
long distance switches because it has thousands of times the bandwidth
of copper wire and can carry signals hundreds of times further before
needing a repeater - making the cost of a phone connection over fiber
only a few percent of the cost of the same connection on copper.
Fiber optic links were used to
replace copper or digital radio links between telephone switches,
beginning with long distance links, called long lines, where fiber's
distance and bandwidth capabilities made fiber significantly more cost
effective. Fiber also
eventually replaced copper all the way to the subscriber (business or
home) due to the demand for high speed Internet connections - broadband.
Student Assignment:
Read either of the references and take the
quiz.
Online FOA Reference:
Fiber Optic Telecommunications
Book Chapter:
The Fiber Optic Association Guide To Broadband, Chapter 4
(Print Version)
Optional - Extra Credit Reading (and future reference)
Fiber Optic Jargon from the Basics of Fiber Optics
Test Your Knowledge:
- Next:
Lesson 5: Wireless Communications
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