Corning created the first low-loss fiber optic cable in 1970. Since that time, these ingenious cables have found their way into thousands, if not millions, of applications.
In this article, we’ll highlight the use of fiber optic cables and discuss the growing demand for these cables. We also address how we can help provide your standard and custom fiber optic cables.
What Is a Fiber Optic Cable?
No doubt you’re familiar with fiber optic cable and use it in your projects as well as in everyday life. But it’s good to touch on the basics before we discuss all the applications.
Essentially, fiber optic cables are composed of very thin strands of extremely pure glass fibers. They transmit information using light from lasers or LEDs that are modulated with data, or in some cases, serve as a light source.
The cables themselves contain several thousand fibers, each insulated from the others by a protective jacket. Each fiber also has an internal cladding that bounces light inward to prevent signal loss.
As you can tell, fiber optic cables are quite complex and require rigorous manufacturing tools, systems, and processes.
What Are the Uses of Fiber Optic Cable?
So, what are the uses and applications of fiber optic cables? We’ve outlined ten applications below with some reasons behind the selection of fiber optic cable.
- Cable Television. The high bandwidth and faster speeds of fiber optic cables make them a perfect choice for cable television. They are rapidly replacing coaxial cable systems.
- Internet Systems. The significantly improved bandwidth and higher speeds of fiber have made it the go-to cable for Internet systems, replacing copper wires and coax cables.
- Telephone. Fiber optic cable has long ago replaced copper undersea cables and is used extensively throughout the telephone network. The growth of 5G networks is greatly increasing the use of fiber in small cell networks and throughout the network.
- Computer Networking. Whether it’s storing files in remote locations or sending emails, it’s all about speed. Fiber optic cables offer significantly more speed than copper cables.
- Automobiles. Applications of fiber optics in automobiles include interior/exterior lighting as well as signal transmission between sensors and computing devices. Those sensors are often used to activate airbags and must be not only fast but also reliable.
- Medical Applications. Endoscopic surgery relies on fiber optics for both lighting and viewing the surgical site. Dentistry uses fiber optic cables to direct a pinpoint of high-power light in the search for cracks and cavities.
- Mechanical Inspections. It’s easy to see how fiber optic cables used in endoscopic surgery could also be used for mechanical inspections. They are small enough to fit into the tightest spaces, and the length of the cable is not an issue due to the low-loss characteristics of fiber optics.
- Military Applications. Fiber’s low weight, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and security from interception make it an excellent choice for military applications. This includes everything from teleoperated weapons systems to underwater sensor systems, as well as command and communication systems.
- Aerospace Applications. Nearly every characteristic of fiber optic cable that we’ve mentioned previously also makes it the perfect cable for aerospace applications. Not only that, but optical fibers’ ability to withstand cryogenic temperatures further enhances their suitability. They are used as sensors, communication cables, lighting, and for various other purposes. They are even experimenting with manufacturing fiber optic cable in space to achieve improved specifications in a zero-gravity environment.
- Lighting. These applications require high light transmission and not necessarily high bandwidth or speed. The cables direct light to exactly where it’s needed and with the perfect focus. They are heat-free, durable, and simple to install.
Growing Demand for Fiber Optic Cables
You can gather from all these applications that the demand for fiber optic cables is growing. To provide some perspective, the global fiber optic cables market size was estimated at $8.65 billion in 2020, growing to $10.35 billion in 2021. That growth is expected to continue at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 20%, reaching $25.82 billion by 2026.
That type of growth, coupled with global manufacturing and shipping challenges, makes it crucial to collaborate with cable manufacturers that have immediate access to the materials required for your specific application.
We are a Corning Gold House Partner and collaborate with numerous partners to source materials. We also have extensive in-house capabilities. Additionally, we make a special point of working with USA-based manufacturers, many of whom are located near our manufacturing facilities on both the East and West Coasts. All this helps us meet the growing demand for fiber optic cables.
We Can Help
If you are in the design stage of your custom fiber optic cabling solution, we can provide engineering assistance and prototyping services. If your requirements are already specified and ready for a quote, we are ready to meet your deadlines and pricing targets. Our extensive in-house services and advanced manufacturing capabilities are in place to meet your requirements.
But we offer much more than state-of-the-art manufacturing – our dedicated team is also known for going to great lengths to meet the needs of our customers, including working around the clock to meet tight turnaround time requirements.
Our sales representatives are standing by to assist you with product questions and quotes Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern. You can also send us an email or complete our contact form, and we’ll get right back to you.
