What is the role of the optical fiber core?

The optical fiber core plays a crucial role in the transmission of data through fiber optic cables by serving as the pathway for light signals. In an optical fiber, light is transmitted from one end of the cable to the other through this core. It is made of a material, usually glass or plastic, that has a different refractive index than the surrounding cladding. This difference allows for total internal reflection, which keeps the light signal contained within the core and facilitates long-distance transmission with minimal loss of signal strength.

This characteristic of the core is essential for the functionality of fiber optic technology because, without a medium to carry the light signals, the system would not be able to communicate effectively. The effectiveness of the core in carrying these signals enables high-speed data transmission over significant distances, making fiber optics a preferred choice for telecommunications and data networks.