Efficiency in communications. The term revolves around a number of factors involved in carrying digital information. In this aspect, fiber optics have stolen the show in recent years.
Fiber optics are steadily replacing copper wire as a means of communication signal transmission. They connect long distance telephone systems as well as act as the backbone the long distances between local phone systems. They provide the backbone for network systems, cable television services, office buildings, military units and industrial plants.
The advantages of a fiber cable over copper are multifold. Fiber optic networks operate at high speeds - up into the gigabits and have a large carrying capacity. Signals are transmitted over longer distances without the need to be strengthened intermittently. The light signals offer much less resistance to electromagnetic noise and cost much less to maintain.
A fiber cable can be thought of like a long cardboard roll the inside of which is coated with a mirror. If you shine a flashlight at one end, one you can see that light at the far end - even if you bend the roll several times over, since the light is getting reflected from the mirror coat.
This principle of ‘total internal reflection’ makes it possible to transmit information down fiber lines in the form of light pulses. In other words, it finally boils down to 0’s and 1’s.
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