Advantages of Optical Fiber Communications

1. Wide bandwidth

. The light wave occupies the frequency range between 2 x 10¹² Hz to 3.7 x 10¹² Hz. Thus the information carrying capability of fiber optic cables much higher.

2. Low losses

. Fiber optic cables offers very less signal attenuation over long distances. Typically it is less than 1 dB/km. This enables longer distance between repeaters.

3. Immune to cross talk

. Fiber optic cables has very high immunity to electrical and magnetic field. Since fiber optic cables are non-conductors of electricity hence they do not produce magnetic field. Thus fiber optic cables are immune to cross talk between cables caused by magnetic induction.

4. Interference immune

. Fiber optic cables are immune to conductive and radiative interferences caused by electrical noise sources such as lighting, electric motors, fluorescent lights. 

5. Light weight

. As fiber cables are made of silica glass or plastic which is much lighter than copper or alluminium cables. Light weight fiber cables are cheaper to transport.

6. Small size

. The diameter of fiber is much smaller compared to other cables, therefore fiber cable is small in size, require less storage space.

7. More strength

. Fiber cables are stronger and rugged hence can support more weight.

8. Security

. Fiber cables are more secure than other cables. It is almost impossible to tap into a fiber cable as they do not radiate signals.No ground loops exist between optical fibers hence they are more secure.

9. Long distance transmission

. Because of less attenuation transmission at a longer distance is possible.

10. Enviroment immune

. Fiber cables are more immune to environmental extremes. They can operate over a large temperature variations. Also they are not affected by corrosive liquids and gases.

11. Safe and easy installation

. Fiber cables are safer and easier to install and maintain. They are non-conductive hence there is no shock hazards as no current or voltages is associated with them. Their small size and light weight feature makes installation easier.

12. Less cost

. Cost of fiber optic system is less compared to any other system.