Fiber Optic Modems

Overview

Fiber optics use thin pieces of glass for long distance data transfer. Fiber optic modems convert electronic or data signals into optic signals for transmission across a network. Fiber optic modems are ideal for transmitting large amounts of data.

There are two types of fiber optic modems: single and multimode. Single mode modems transmit data over long distances. Multimode configurations can be mountain on a single entry panel for point-to-point, multi-drop, ring, self healing ring, and data bus transmissions. Data transfer speeds vary from 300 bps to 10 Mbps.

Fiber optic modems are less expensive than other types of modems. Prices vary by brand and service providers and average at about $200.

Benefits

Fiber optic modems are lightweight and small in size. Fiber optic cables also deliver clear signals that do not interfere with one another. As a result, fiber optic cables enable higher bandwidth for increased data transmission. Cables and data signals are safe from electromagnetic interference.

How It Works

Single mode modems are ideal for businesses since they enable networking between many systems. They are also ideal for sharing and transmitting large volumes of data over greater distances. Single mode modems allow light signals to travel back and forth and transmit data in both directions simultaneously. Multimode fiber optic models are ideal for personal computers since you can receive and transmit photographs and images at rapid rates.

The signal is sent by a transmitter over cables and is boosted by an optical regenerator to travel farther. The signals are then received and translated by the receiver into audio or visual information. The standard unit of measuring wavelength is nanometers (nm). The wavelength of the fiber optic modems is differentiated by distance according to whether the data transfer is synchronous or asynchronous.

The Recommended Standard-232 (RS-232) is a modem that is used for single ended data transmission from one transmitter to one receiver a slow data rate. It is widely used in computer workstations. The RS-422 is used as a standard for longer data transmission and a higher baud rate, which calculates the number of symbols per second transferred. For a multipoint communication network, RS-485 is preferred. Fiber optic modem model 168 has a multi-interface circuit that handles RS-232/422/485 serial interfaces and a single mode/ multimode fiber.

Companies/Brands

LASCOMM and Luxcom Technologies manufacture and supply fiber optic modems.