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Chapter 16: Problem 12
Give the merits and demerits of optical fibres in communication system.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Optical fibres offer high bandwidth, low attenuation, and EMI immunity but have high initial costs, are fragile, and require complex installation.
Step by step solution
01
- Introduction to Optical Fibres
Optical fibres are strands of glass or plastic that carry data as light. They are widely used in communication systems due to their efficiency in transmitting information over long distances with minimal loss.
02
- Merits of Optical Fibres
1. **High Bandwidth**: Optical fibres can transmit large amounts of data at very high speeds. 2. **Low Attenuation**: Signal loss over long distances is minimal, making them ideal for long-range communication. 3. **Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)**: Optical fibres are not affected by electromagnetic interference, which ensures signal integrity. 4. **Safety and Security**: Optical fibres are more secure for data transmission since they do not emit signals that can be intercepted. 5. **Lightweight and Small Size**: They are lighter and much thinner than conventional metal wires.
03
- Demerits of Optical Fibres
1. **High Initial Cost**: The installation and material costs for optical fibres are higher compared to traditional copper wires. 2. **Fragility**: Optical fibres are more fragile and can break more easily than metal wires. 3. **Complex Installation and Maintenance**: Working with optical fibres requires specialized skills and equipment, making installation and maintenance more complex. 4. **Limited Physical Flexibility**: Optical fibres are less flexible physically compared to copper wires, which can restrict their use in certain applications.
04
- Conclusion
Optical fibres have many benefits such as high bandwidth, low attenuation, and immunity to EMI, making them highly effective for communication systems. However, they also come with drawbacks like high initial costs, fragility, and the need for specialized handling.
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
high bandwidth
Optical fibres stand out in modern communication systems for their high bandwidth capabilities. High bandwidth refers to the capacity of the fibre to transmit large volumes of data swiftly. This feature allows for efficient handling of high-speed internet, streaming services, and large file transfers without lag.
Optical fibres achieve high bandwidth by using light to carry data. Since light waves have incredibly high frequencies, they can carry more information than traditional electrical signals used in copper wires. This makes optical fibres an ideal choice for applications where rapid and reliable data transmission is crucial.
Additionally, in comparison to traditional copper cables, which can become a bottleneck for data transmission at high volumes, optical fibres maintain their performance even when the data loads are extremely high.
low attenuation
One of the most significant merits of optical fibres is their low attenuation. Attenuation refers to the loss of signal strength as it travels through a medium. In the context of data transmission, low attenuation means that the signal can travel longer distances without significant degradation.
Optical fibres exhibit low attenuation because they rely on light, which experiences minimal resistance as it moves through the fibre. In comparison, electrical signals in copper wires suffer more from attenuation, especially over longer distances.
The low attenuation characteristic of optical fibres ensures that data can be transmitted over long distances, making them ideal for cross-country or even transcontinental communications. This feature is particularly valuable for telecommunications and internet service providers who need to maintain the integrity of the signal over vast distances.
electromagnetic interference immunity
Optical fibres offer immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI occurs when external electromagnetic fields disrupt the transmission of signals. Such interference can degrade the quality and reliability of data transmission in traditional copper cables.
Since optical fibres use light to transmit data, they are immune to this kind of interference. This immunity ensures that the signal remains clear and undistorted, even in environments with a high presence of electromagnetic activities, such as industrial settings or areas with many electronic devices.
This attribute makes optical fibres highly reliable and secure for data transmission, as they maintain their performance quality irrespective of external electromagnetic conditions. Moreover, it reduces the need for additional shielding or protective measures against EMI, which is often required for copper cables.
installation and maintenance challenges
Despite their advantages, optical fibres present certain challenges in terms of installation and maintenance. The process of laying optical fibres and connecting them requires specialized skills and equipment. This means that workers need to be extensively trained, which can initially drive up labor costs.
Additionally, the precision required to splice and connect optical fibres makes the installation process more time-consuming and complex compared to installing traditional copper cables. Special equipment like fusion splicers and optical time-domain reflectometers (OTDR) are necessary to ensure accurate and efficient installation.
Maintenance is another challenge, as any damages to optical fibres need to be meticulously identified and repaired. This can involve lengthy and costly processes. It is crucial to have a specialized repair team on hand to handle any issues that may arise.
fragility of optical fibres
One of the key drawbacks of optical fibres is their fragility. Unlike robust metal wires, optical fibres are more delicate due to their glass or plastic composition. They can break or get damaged easily if not handled with care.
This fragility poses risks during the installation process, as any bends or mechanical stress can cause them to crack. Therefore, handling and installing optical fibres require careful attention to avoid breakage.
Moreover, in day-to-day operations, optical fibres need protection from physical damage. They are often encased in protective coatings and housed within robust conduits to safeguard against environmental hazards. Despite these precautions, their delicate nature means that regular inspections and protective measures are necessary to maintain their integrity over time.
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