Fiber optic cabling has quickly become the standard for communications, and is essential to the success of the modern Internet. Despite its prevalence today, it took many years of research and development before fiber optic cabling was truly ready to replace copper wire that had been the standard for decades. Let’s explore the history of fiber optics.
Early telephone communications were all a result of analog signals being transmitted through copper wire or, in limited cases, via radio waves. In fact, this was the technology underlying most communications for more than 100 years. Still, throughout much of this time, attempts were being made to develop viable options for digital transmission.
While the idea of digital phone signals can be traced back to at least the 1930s, as the Engineering and Technology History Wiki notes, it was not until the 1960s that technology had evolved enough to make digital communications a realistic option. It was also during the 1960s that the concept of using fiber for telecommunications began to be considered.
The first concepts looked at laser light, but the problem was that any kind of precipitation or interference between the transmission and receiver locations would interrupt the signal. In the 1980s, researchers to develop fiber optic cable that used glass fibers to carry light signals for long distances. Following this achievement, fiber optic cables began to be installed around the world by the mid-1980s.
In the years since, fiber optic quality and technology has continued to improve and fiber optics has largely replaced copper wire for telecommunications. As the adoption of fiber optic technology has become more widespread, the available data speed has also increased considerably. The Internet as we know it today would not be possible without fiber optic technology.
Muth Technology is a voice and data cabling contractor serving the Dakotas, Nebraska, Iowa and other locations throughout the region. Our skilled staff is ready to make your data communications project a success. We provide a variety of voice and data cabling services, including fiber optic cable installation and maintenance work. Contact us today by calling 605-334-3232 and learn how we can help with your technology needs.