Fiber optic cables and optical fibers are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing. While both play a crucial role in the transmission of data through light signals, there are some key differences between them. In this article, we will explore these differences and shed light on the unique characteristics of fiber optic cables and optical fibers.

1. What is an Optical Fiber?

An optical fiber is a thin strand of flexible glass or plastic that can transmit light signals over long distances with minimal loss of signal quality. It consists of three main components: the core, cladding, and buffer coating.

The core is the innermost part of the fiber where light travels through. It has a higher refractive index than the cladding to ensure that light stays within the core by total internal reflection.

The cladding surrounds the core and has a lower refractive index to facilitate total internal reflection. This prevents signal loss by keeping light confined within the core.

2. What is a Fiber Optic Cable?

A fiber optic cable, on the other hand, is composed of multiple optical fibers bundled together in a protective casing for efficient transmission over long distances.

The primary purpose of a fiber optic cable is to provide mechanical protection to individual optical fibers while facilitating their installation and deployment in various environments such as underground ducts or aerial installations.

3. Differences between Optical Fibers and Fiber Optic Cables

An optical fiber consists only of its three basic components: core, cladding, and buffer coating. It does not have any additional protective layers or casings like those found in fiber optic cables.

In contrast, a fiber optic cable includes multiple individual optical fibers enclosed within protective layers such as strength members (e.g., aramid yarn), jackets (e.g., PVC), water-blocking materials (e.g., gel-filled tubes), etc., depending on its intended application environment.

An optical fiber's primary function is to transmit light signals from one point to another with minimal signal loss or distortion. On its own though it lacks protection against external factors like physical stressors or moisture ingress which could damage it. A single bare-optical-fiber would be highly susceptible under harsh environmental conditions making it unsuitable for practical use without proper protection. This vulnerability necessitates bundling multiple bare-optical-fibers together into an outer casing forming what we call 'fiber-optic-cable'. The additional layers present in fibre-optic-cables provide mechanical strength durability resistance against external elements.

Conclusion:

In summary,

An "optical fibre", refers specifically just to single strands made up only of glass/plastic material which guides/transmits/propagates 'light'.

Whereas,

A "fibre-optic-cable", refers specifically just as bundle/package/assembly/grouping/collection/composition containing one/multiple/several many independent/singular/unrelated/single "optical fibres" housed inside enclosures/layers/coatings/jackets.

While both serve important roles in enabling high-speed data transmission via light signals,