Before diving into Fiber Optic Cable, it’s crucial to grasp the evolution of data transmission. Data has been sent via non-electronic means since the advent of communication using light, sound, and movement. The first digital transmissions began with a telegram in 1809, thus transmitting long-distance communications of text or symbols, as opposed to verbal or audio messages. By 1906, the teletypewriter was invented to send and receive typed messages from point to point. By 1940, computer modems were invented to decode transmissions and reproduce the original digital data.
Then, by the end of the 1990s, broadband access techniques included:
- Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL)
- Cable modems
- Fiber-to-the-node (FTTN)
- Fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP)
- Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)
Over the years, these have become widespread in small offices and homes.
Fiber Optic Cable Networks
Networks using fiber optic lines are capable of a “whopping” 100Gbps, with 400Gbps and 1Tbps in lab testing worldwide. Fiber optic cable is cleaner, more reliable, and with less degradation than traditional metal wiring over long distances. It also does not conduct heat and lasts longer with minimal replacement time. In the long run, fiber optic cable is more efficient and less expensive.
The speed of fiber optic cable is pretty amazing, as well. The most recent study resulted in a connection of 109 terabytes over 100 miles of cable. This was accomplished by bundling 7 fiber optic cores in one wire, transmitting at 15.6 terabytes.
In 2010, mobile data transfers in the US reached 1 exabyte or 1 billion gigabytes. In 2011, global data reached over 1.2 zettabytes or 1 billion terabytes. Predictions say that by 2020, data transfers will exceed 35 billion zettabytes.
To meet the growing demands for large amounts of data and video that today’s internet users demand, fiber optic cable needs to become a huge priority, and we are here to help.
RP Companies is Arizona’s leading utility contractor that can assist with any aspect of telecommunication. We have the staff, equipment, and experience to match all engineering and construction requirements.
If interested in receiving a free estimate, contact us today at (602)252-1635.