UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR

MALAYSIA FRANCE INSTITUTE

LIBRARY RESEARCH
THE PRACTICALITY OF USING FIBRE OPTICS IN COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Amir Haziem bin Razali
50292214027

1.0 Introduction
In this time and age, it is very important for humans to communicate with each other or to
connect with the world. This can mean from just saying hello! to a long-time friend who lives not
five miles away or wanting to see what your favourite celebrity is up to or maybe just the need to
know what is going on around the world at the current time. Wikipedia identifies communication
as an activity of conveying information through the exchange of ideas, feelings, intentions, attitudes,
expectations, perceptions or commands, as by speech, non-verbal gestures, writings, behaviour and
possible by other means such as electromagnetic, chemical or physical phenomena and smell.
If I were asked to state one of the more popular means of communication in the current
time, I would most probably say the internet has already become the most popular method of
communication, and 90 percent of the world population would agree with my statement. According
to Internet Live Stats (2014), around 14 million people from across the globe became the pioneers of
mass internet communication. Since then, the number has amounted to about 2.9 billion internet
users all around the world, where the first billion was reached in 2005, the second in 2010, and the
third is expected to arrive by the end of 2014, thus hitting just slightly above 40 percent on
penetration (the percentage of the world population who are internet users.

Source: Internet Live Stats (elaboration of data by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and United Nations
Population Division). Note: in assigning the colors, we followed the original color convention of the 5 Olympic rings: blue
for Europe, yellow for Asia, black for Africa, green for Australia and red for America.
These ever-expanding numbers throughout the years can be explained by the increasing popularity
of the internet and humans competing against each other to be in the know before anyone else. It is
very easy for the current generation to discuss about the internet as a method of communication
above anything else including multiple methods like using smoke signals and writing letters for a pen
pal, and everything in between as we are practically growing up alongside its development as a
means of communication.
Therefore, we can loosely define the term internet as a global system of interconnected
computer networks, where it is very busy, and the phrase that comes to mind that could almost
accurately define this term is a network of networks where one could imagine being thrown in a
room full of tangled wires and about a thousand employees struggling to untangle them all in order
to provide communication services for the world. The reason the internet is defined in such a way is
because in the early stages of internet development, it is very hard to get an internet connection,
not to mention the slow, bugging internet connection disrupts the flow of business associates
wanting to communicate with each other on opposite sides of the globe through e-mails. So, the
problem in the early stages of internet development is the speed of which it functions, which is
rather disappointing compared to what the internet connection nowadays could amount to in the
same terms. Such was the case, until the technology of fiber optics started to become a thing in
communication technology.
2.0 Background
This research leans on the magnificent technological development of fibre optics particularly
in the communication industry. As a person who uses the internet on an almost daily basis since
their teen years, the technological development of fiber optics in the communication sector which
has improved the speed of internet connection throughout the years, this topic appeals to my
particular interest since a fast internet connection is one of the things a typical internet user could
ever hope for, and I am sure many people of the aforementioned category would agree.
Furthermore, since the advancements of fiber optics in improving the speed of internet connection
made its breakthrough appearance in the local market as UniFi which stresses on a broadband
service that uses fibre optics to deliver high speed internet as one of the main services it offers, I
have always been fascinated by the overwhelming acceptance of its services amidst the overall
losses in the exchange markets ever since it was first introduced to the public in 2008. Seeing that its
various campaigns focus primarily on fast internet connection and the works of fiber optics in
magnifying that factor, I personally have found the perfect potential of including the technology of
fiber optics in improving internet connection speeds throughout the world as a part of my research.
3.0 Optical Fiber
Wikipedia defines optical fiber as a flexible, transparent fiber made of extruded glass (silica)
or plastic, slightly thicker than a human hair. It functions as a waveguide or preferably light pipe
to transmit light between two ends of a silica or plastic fiber.
3.1 Optical Fiber as a Light Carrier
Hammack, B. (2011) explains the theory of using a fiber optic cable as a carrier of
light in his YouTube video under the account engineerguy *sic+ titled Fiber optics: How They
Work. In the video, he used a bucket of propylene glycol (C
3
H
8
O
2
) and a laser pointer to
demonstrate loosely how a fiber optic cable works as a light reflector and refractor. In a dark
room, a bucket with a hole drilled above its base is filled with propylene glycol with a bit of
creamer and is shone with a green laser pointer from one point opposite the hole to the
incision itself. The room is darkened for the purpose of making the green light more visible
to the naked eye and in the video.
As seen in Figure 3.1, the light is guided by the flow of liquid which is propylene
glycol at certain angles. The first reflection angle most frequently indicates the total internal
reflection angle, where we can say zero percent of the light escapes the liquid medium, or in
the case of a fiber optic cable, the cladding. This video demonstration by Hammack, which is
an almost direct translation of Daniel Colladons light fountain experiment in his 1842
article titled On the reflections of a ray of light inside a parabolic liquid stream, explains
the foundation of how a fiber optic cable should work.
Further in the video, Hammack uses the term binary coding which is a common
and most trusted way of transmitting information from a distance, not to mention the finest
method of making use of the light source by sending codes of numbers 1s and 0s where
a 1 indicates the presence of light and 0 the absence of it. Also, Hammack demonstrates
what we currently understand about light reflection and reflection which is the basis of
which fiber optics function upon.

Figure 3.1 shows the demonstration by Hammack of how fiber optic technology works by using
propylene glycol and a green laser pointer. Source: Engineer Guy
According to the Georgia State University educational website HyperPhysics fiber
optics depends solely upon the total internal reflection of light rays travelling through tiny
optical fibers. The fibers are so tiny that as soon as the light is introduced into the fiber with
an angle within the confinements of the numerical aperture of the fiber (total reflection
angle), it will continue to reflect with almost no losses off the walls of the fiber and thus can
travel for miles in the fiber. When the fibers are bundled together, imaging of inaccessible
areas can also be accomplished.
Figure 3.2 shows the total internal reflection of light in an optical fiber and the
composition of a fiber optic strand. The core of the fiber, which is typically made up of glass
or plastic with a high index, is coated with a cladding of a lower index.

Figure 3.2 Fiber Optics. Source: Hyper Physics, Georgia State University


Figure 3.3 Fiber Optic Imaging. Source: Hyper Physics, Georgia State University
By applying the basic principles of light reflection, engineers have devised a way to
make use of optical fibers which operate by conducting light at almost full light speed to
transmit information. Fiber optic imaging, which is frequently discussed when fiber optics is
mentioned, uses the fact that the light striking the end of one fiber can be transmitted to the
other end of the same strand. Referring to Figure 3.3, by assuming each fiber acts as a light
pipe, this fiber optic strand can be pictured as a transmitter for light from that part of the
image along the fiber. Thus, if the arrangement of the fibers in the bundle is kept constant
then the transmitted light forms a mosaic image of the light which struck the starting end of
the bundle.
3.2 Applications of Fiber Optics
There has been much talk about the recent developments of fiber optics technology,
including several new applications or uses for the technology in various other fields, some as
ludicrous and unimaginable, although not impossible, as using an umbrella to combat a lava
shower. Some applications of the fiber optics technology include using very thin strands of
fiber optics as hair substitute, taking advantage of its incredible information transmitting
speed to control various electronic devices, and using fiber optics for launching missiles from
a long distance.
3.2.1 Fiber Optics in Fashion
Since the early 2000s, fashion designers have marvelled upon the
development of fiber optics as a light carrier and interesting mode of transporting
imagery. Though many have applied this technology in the making of fancy light
shows, some designers have taken fashion to a whole new level by introducing a
new line of footwear incorporating a bundle of fiber optic strands in such a way that
it shines light when worn and walked in. Francesca Castagnatti, who was one of the
first brilliant designers to come up with this idea, has since become quite a name in
fashion.

The fiber optic shoe designed by Francesca Castagnatti. Source: Wikipedia Images
Lady Gaga, a pop artist, international superstar and a fashion icon, has also taken
advantage of the development of optical fiber technology by incorporating the then
finest fiber optics in existence with her prosthetic hair. Designed by Frederic Aspiras
and herself, the fiber optic wig is used frequently by Lady Gaga in her shows and
concerts and lights up in accordance to the lighting board control panel which
controls the lighting up of the strands without any wired connection.

Lady Gaga shows off her invention, the fiber optic wig which lights up on command, in her
2012 YouTube video AN ARTPOP INVENTION BY THE HAUS OF GAGA. Source: Gaga Daily

4.0 Fibre Optics in Communication Technology
The first thing that usually comes to mind when we discuss the advancements of optical
fiber technology, is, of course the application of this in communication technology. As mentioned
earlier, fiber optics technology has become quite important in improving communication speed,
which we can see and experience with most internet connections these days. The introduction of
UniFi by Telekom Malaysia Berhad in this country was one of the first revelations of this
technological continuity to the Malaysians in a large scale. Although many have been exposed to the
optical fiber technology before particularly if one studies the field of electronics and electrical
devices, fiber optics has remained relatively new to the people in Malaysia as compared to the then
conventional copper wired DSL connection.
To demonstrate in a basic way one application of fiber optics in communication systems, we
can take an example from any World War II movie or documentary where to naval ships on board
need to communicate with each other while maintaining radio silence in terms of reduced white
noise and static frequency on a stormy sea. One ship will pull up alongside the other, and the captain
of the former sends a message to a sailor on deck. The sailor then translates the message into Morse
code which consists of dots and dashes and uses a signal light (some type of floodlight with a
venetian block shut on it) to send the message to the other ship. The sailor on the second ship
translates the message he sees from the first into English and sends the message up to the captain.
Now, imagine this routine activity done on either sides of the ocean, several thousand miles
apart from each other with a fiber optic communication in place between these two aforementioned
ships. A fiber optic relay system, which this communication system is named, consists of a
transmitter, optical fiber, optical regenerator, and an optical receiver. These function respectively to
produce and encode light signals, conduct the light signals over the thousand-mile distance, boost
the light signal for further reach, and to receive and encode the light signals.
Transmitter
The transmitter can assume the part of the sailor on the deck of the sending ship, where it
receives and directs the optical device to turn the light on and off in the correct sequence,
thereby generating a light signal. The transmitter, physically, is close to the optical fiber and
sometimes has a lens installed between the two that functions as a light-focusing medium into the
fiber. As lasers are more powerful than light-emitting diodes (LEDs), it would be more practical to
use it for this purpose. But, the former could vary more with changes in temperature which is not a
good thing, not to mention them being more expensive than the latter. The most common
wavelengths of light signals range from 850 nm to 1550 nm which are infrared and non-visible to the
naked eye.
Optical Regenerator
As have been mentioned before, some signal losses may occur throughout the transference
from one end of the fiber optics system to the other, especially over long distances that start at
about half a mile or one kilometre, such that happens when undersea cables are used. Therefore,
several optical regenerators are spliced along the cable to boost the degraded optical signals.
An optical regenerator consists of optical fibers with a special cladding or coating that
functions as a doping component. The doped portion is magnified with a laser, in a sense that it
focuses more light to travel further distances along the cables. When the reduced signals come into
the doped cladding, the energy from the laser allows the doped molecules to become laser beams
themselves. The doped molecules then emit new, stronger light signals with the exact same
characteristics as the before weak light signals. An overview of this component lets us assume the
part of optical regenerators as laser amplifiers for the incoming light signals.
Optical Receiver
Back to the part of sailors on decks and captains of two ships conveying a message to each
other, an optical receiver assumes, too, the part of a sailor; although this time he is on the receiving
ship instead of the sending one. It takes the incoming digital light signals, decodes or translates them
and sends the electrical signal to the other users electronics device, be it a computer, television set
or home telephone (which, in the case of two ships, the captain of the receiving ship) by using
photocells or photodiodes to detect the light signals.
5.0 Advanced Fibre Optics Technology against Copper Wire Connection
As mentioned earlier in this paperwork, fiber optics technology has come as a direct threat
to the conventional copper wire connection, preferably called a digital subscriber line (DSL), in terms
of availability and many other aspects. This is measured by their respective abilities and advantages
in the field of internet connectivity. Based on technical aspects and public opinion, these two distinct
technologies are far apart in terms of their advancements in some aspects but are quite on par with
each other in the rest. Nevertheless, they differ from each other by a few certain factors:
Reliability
First off, on one side, we have a conventional copper-wired digital subscriber line (DSL) and
on the other we have the new and improved version of a DSL connection called the fiber optics
connection (FiOS). The former takes advantage of your business or homes existing phone line to
deliver high speed internet access. Unlike the dial-up internet connection (how long ago was that?),
a DSL connection does not interfere with phone conversations. We can conveniently use the internet
while talking on the phone. The latter, however, does not use your existing phone line but instead
requires that a fiber optic cable be run into your home or business. In terms of reliability, DSL offers
a convenient always-on internet connection and is fondly considered a reliable connection.
However, in the case of the phone line being interrupted or damaged, there is risk of losing the
internet connection. Although it is a good idea to have a backup connection which is an option given
by most internet service providers and could end this inadvertent line cutting dilemma, some
users particularly ones who use internet at home are reluctant to deal with the extra charges in their
monthly bills. On the other hand, fiber optic connection is considered much more reliable than the
DSL connection.
Although in terms of technical aspects one is as reliable as the other, FiOS is considered a
passive system, which means application of power is unneeded within the system network. This also
means there will be little to no interruption in its connection during power outages. Unlike the
copper cables that come with the DSL internet connection, the conductor of FiOS is protected from
interferences that can be caused by nearby power lines or high-voltage electrical equipment as it
consists mainly of glass and does not generate electricity. Plus, with the fiber optics technology
applied in the system, there is less risk of computers connected by FiOS sustaining lightning related
damages.
Availability
Next, in terms of availability, DSL is more widely available compared to FiOS, although it is
not offered everywhere. In fact, just because a phone service is present in a business or at home, it
does not mean that a DSL connection is applicable to the line. If the phone service is more than
22,000 feet away from the phone company central office, there would probably be no chance of
acquiring a DSL internet connection. This can be explained by the increase of deteriorating signals
the farther away a users location is from the central office. In contrary, FiOS services are ever-
expanding and there is almost an unprecedented chance of this service reaching places the DSL
would never dream of reaching. Because FiOS connection requires the installation of additional
optical fiber cables, it will take some time before it is as widely accessible as DSL.
Speed
Furthermore, when both are compared, DSL download speeds are almost always behind
speeds offered by FiOS connections, and generally range from 0.5 to 15 megabytes per second
(Mbps), although some providers are now offering speeds up to 40 Mbps. What can be expected
from the conventional DSL internet connection is an upload speed of about 384 to 768 kilobytes per
second (kbps), while newer offers can up the ante to about 1.0 Mbps. Compared to the copper-
wired DSL internet connection, FiOS connection is incredibly fast and can send data over much
superior distances, all the while maintaining speed. Fiber-optic internet connections typically offer
download speeds of up to 500 Mbps from a minimum of 150 Mbps, and upload speeds from 65
Mbps to 100 Mbps. The unbeatable speed of FiOS allows multiple users to download, upload, share
and stream files simultaneously while its performance is conserved.
Price
Lastly, DSL connections may cost much less than FiOS even if installation fees are
considered. One thing that must be kept in mind is that users will usually get faster download and
upload speeds if they pay more, besides signing up for long-term contracts or bundle services. The
modems, on the other hand might cost the users a bit but these devices can be leased by the
internet service providers, although in most cases nowadays modems are given free of charge
alongside a cordless phone for promotional purposes. As opposed to DSL charges, FiOS connections
are overall much more expensive although it would all still depend on the service providers. Users
may also get higher speeds with higher prices, which is very much like the case with DSL internet
connections, even though the FiOS connections are much more satisfying for multiple usage and
long-term contract signers as many more people are using the internet nowadays, be it from home
computers, laptops, mobile phones, and sometimes even high-end television sets. Similar to the DSL
connection, FiOS may require additional fees for installation and/or activation, although some
companies nowadays may offer waiving these charges as part of their promotional campaigns.
6.0 Conclusion
As a conclusion, the fiber optics internet connection may have come as a shock to the world
in the beginning, but it has now found a niche in the culture of technology by providing amazing
services and benefits to humans all around the world, particularly internet users. Optical fiber
technology may have been an unnecessary thing to the world twenty years ago, but now it has
become more widely known, not to mention a service far too great to resist. Although the old digital
subscriber line connection that we have come to know and love now offers a lesser service with
much less costs, it is high time for the population of the world to utilize the better way of connecting
with each other. As advancements of optical fiber technology have reached out to different fields
including fashion and military services, it is only logical if many more would apply this technology for
a better, more efficient method getting more things done.









7.0 References

Germanotta, S. , Aspiras, F.(2012) AN ARTPOP INVENTION BY THE HAUS OF GAGA from Lady Gaga
Officials Channel website: http://www.youtube.com/ladygagaofficial
Freudenrich, Ph.D., C. (2001) How Fiber Optics Work from howstuffworks website:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com
Bellis, M. (1998) The Birth of Fiber Optics from About.com Inventors website:
http://inventors.about.com
Nave, R. (2014) Fiber Optics from HyperPhysics: Georgia State University website:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu
Chianis, A. (2013) DSL vs. Fiber-Optic: Which Internet Service is Better for Small Businesses? from
business Bee website: http://www.businessbee.com
Hammack, B. (2011) Fiber optics: How they work from engineerguys Channel website:
http://youtube.com/engineerguy
Internet Live Stats (2014) Internet Users in the World from Internet Usage & Social Media Statistics
website: http://www.internetlivestats.com