Verizon FiOS and its Fiber Optics

Fiber optics (optical fibers) are thin and long strands of pure glass with a very thin diameter - that such of a human hair. They are arranged or goruped in bundles called optical cables and used to transmit light signals over a long distance.

A single optical fiber has the following parts: the core, the cladding and the buffer coating. The core is a thin glass center of fiber where the light transcends. The cladding is the outer optical material surrounding the core that reflects the light back into the core. And finally the buffer coating is a plastic coating that protects the fiber from damage and moisture.

Thousands of these optical fibers are grouped and arranged in bundles in optical cables. The bundles are protected by the cable's outer covering, called a jacket. Some optical fibers can be made from plastic and these fibers have a large core and can transmit visible red light.

This is a basic understanding of the elements that make up Verizon FiOS fiber optic network. The glass core is what promotes lightning fast speed and is why FiOS is spending millions of dollars in developing this great network.