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.

Fiber optic systems are much more efficient than coaxial and copper mediums because there is far less loss of data. This can be attributed to the design of optical fibers and, more specifically, the principle of total internal reflection that they use. The cladding used in fiber optic systems also greatly increases the effectiveness of data transmission. Because of this innovation, coupled with the total internal reflection, there is no crosstalk between cables.

As the cost of materials continues to go down, fiber optic cabling is becoming more and more cost efficient. In some applications today, it is actually less expensive to use optical fibers than to use metal wire alternatives. Combine this with the fact that fiber optic systems need little or no maintenance or upgrading, and it is clear that fiber has already surpassed the cost parity with copper. Considering the higher performance, capacity, and efficiency that fiber technology holds over traditional wire systems, it is quite clear that fiber optics have a higher cost efficiency than metal alternatives.

Fiber optic systems are one of the safest forms of data transmission in terms of fire prevention. Metal wire forms of transmission can create sparks, causing shorts and in some cases, fire. Since optical fibers use light rather than electricity to carry signals, there is no chance of starting an electrical fire. This simple fact makes fiber optics an extremely safe form of wiring, especially when compared to more dangerous traditional wire alternatives.

Optical fibers can be grouped into two main categories. The first called singlemode fibers, support one single propagation path, allowing one signal at a time. Singlemode fibers are used for most communication links longer than 200 meters. Alternatively, there are also multimode fibers. These generally have a large-diameter core, and are used for short-distance communication links or for applications where high power must be transmitted.

Optical fiber systems also offer more security than traditional mediums. Coaxial cables can leak information due to magnetic interference. However, optical fiber do not have this problem. Due to this decreased radiation, eavesdropping is made much more difficult and fiber optic transmission mediums are currently one of the most secure methods of information transfer. There are some types of optical fibers which are claimed to be impossible to tap.