Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Fiber-optic communication systems use thin strands of glass or plastic fibers to transmit information in the form of light pulses. These systems offer high-speed data transmission over long distances and are widely used in telecommunications.
Related terms
Optical Fiber: A thin strand made of glass or plastic that guides light signals in fiber-optic communication systems.
Total Internal Reflection: The phenomenon where light rays within an optical fiber are reflected back into the core due to differences in refractive indices.
Bandwidth: The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given period.
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