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Optical fiber advantages and disadvantages

Short answer

Optical fiber provides huge bandwidth, low attenuation, EMI immunity, electrical isolation, security, and lightweight. Disadvantages include high installation cost, fragile glass, difficult splicing, unidirectional, and complex repairs.

Write the advantages and disadvantages of optical fiber communication.

Advantages

  1. Very large bandwidth and data rate (Gbps to Tbps).
  2. Low attenuation, so long distances without repeaters.
  3. Immune to electromagnetic and radio interference and crosstalk.
  4. Electrically isolating and safe in hazardous areas (no sparks, no ground loops).
  5. Secure: difficult to tap.
  6. Light, thin, and corrosion-resistant.

Disadvantages

  1. Higher initial cost of fibre, transmitters (LED/laser), receivers and test equipment.
  2. Difficult and costly installation: splicing and connectors need special tools and skilled people.
  3. Fragile: glass can break; bending radius limited.
  4. Unidirectional, so two fibres are needed for duplex; cannot carry power for remote equipment.
  5. Light signals are attenuated by bends, dirt and connectors; need optical-electrical conversion at the ends.
  6. Repair is difficult.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Sonnet 5.5

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