Optical Fiber.

A fiber optic cable may refer to any of the following:

1. A fiber optic cable defined in IEEE 802.8 is cable that contains optical fibers (usually glass) coated in plastic that are used to send data by pulses of light. The coating helps protect the fibers from heat, cold, electromagnetic interference from other types of wiring, as well as some protection from ultraviolet rays from the sun. Fiber optics allow for a much faster data transmission than standard copper wires, because they have a much higher bandwidth. They are common amongst corporate networks or world-wide networks, such as Internet backbones, because of the capabilities of the cable.

2. In TV and stereo systems, an optical cable can be used to transmit sound from a DVD player or TV to a sound system, such as a stereo receiver or sound bar. The optical cable can transmits high quality of sound, ensuring little or no sound degradation.

Caution: When handling and using fiber optic cables or fiber-optic networking equipment, keep the below suggestions in mind.

Fiber Optic Cable Precautions

1. Keep the fiber connections and connectors capped when not in use to help prevent dust, dirt, or other substances from being on the connection of connector.
2. Always keep the fiber connections and connectors clean.
3. Do not allow the fiber cabling to bend more than the diameter of your hand. Bending the cable further could cause physical damage to the cable.
4. Do not touch the tip of the actual fiber cabling, as it could cut you.
5. Never look down the fiber cabling when in use as light pulses are being used. To determine if the pulse is being sent, use a meter.