The field of fiber optics refers to the application of optical fibers as a data communication solution. These optical fibers are composed of silica glass or, less commonly, plastic fibers which carry light along their length in order to transmit data. Optical fibers use a process called “total internal reflection�, which contains the light signal within the core of the fiber, acting as a sort of guide to direct the signal towards its desired destination, with little to no signal loss.

This technology allows data transmission over longer distances and at higher speeds than other, traditional forms of communication, such as copper wires or coaxial cables, while reducing the amount of information loss associated with data transmission.