What Are The 6 main Parts and 2 Basic Structure of A Fiber Optic Cable?

1. Core: This is the physical medium that carries the optical signals. It is usually made of glass (silica) or plastic and has a diameter less than a human hair.
2. Cladding: This is a thin layer surrounding the core that has a lower refractive index than the core. It enables the light to travel through the length of the fiber by containing the light waves within the core through total internal reflection.
3. Coating: This is a protective plastic coating over the cladding that reinforces the fiber core, helps absorb shocks, and provides extra protection against excessive cable bends.
4. Strengthening fibers/Aramid yarn: These components, often made of materials like Kevlar or fiberglass, help protect the core against crushing forces and excessive tension during installation and use.
5. Cable jacket: This is the outer protective layer or sheathing of the cable. Its purpose is to protect the internal components from environmental hazards, moisture, UV radiation, and physical damage.
6. Connectors: Fiber optic connectors are devices used to join and terminate the ends of fiber optic cables, enabling efficient light transmission between cable segments with minimal loss.

3.What Are the 2 Basic Fiber Optic Cable Structure?

1. Tight Buffer Cable Structure

In this structure, the optical fiber is coated with a tight buffer layer, typically made of a hard plastic material like nylon, hytrel, or tefzel. This tight 900μm buffer provides stiffening and protection for the fiber against external forces and micro-bending influence.The key components are:

• Core and cladding (glass)
• Coating (250-400μm diameter)
• Tight buffer layer (900μm diameter hard plastic)

2. Loose Tube Cable Structure

In this design, the bare optical fiber (with just the coating layer) is placed inside an oversized loose tube or sheath. This loose tube isolates the fiber mechanically from external forces. The space between the fiber and loose tube can be filled with a moisture-resistant gel compound for added protection.The key components are:

• Core and cladding (glass)
• Coating (250-400μm diameter)
• Loose tube (oversized tube housing the coated fiber)
• Optional water-blocking gel compound filling the loose tube

Both structures provide protection for the fragile glass fiber through different layered components. The tight buffer uses a thick plastic coating, while the loose tube design encases the fiber in a larger tube filled with gel. These are the two fundamental constructions that form the basis for various fiber optic cable designs tailored for specific applications and environments.