Basic Components and Structure of Fiber Optical Cables
Fiber optic cables consist of a core, a continuous strand of glass or plastic, a cladding, a protective coating, strength members, and a jacket. The core is the smallest part of the cable, with a diameter smaller than a human hair. The cladding surrounds the core, preventing light from exiting it. The coating is made up of two layers of urethane acrylate, providing shock, scrape, and moisture resistance. The jacket, the outer layer, protects the cable from environmental hazards and is typically colored to identify the optical fiber type.