Glass Optical Fiber (GOF) and Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) are two types of optical fiber used in telecommunications networks for transmitting light signals through very thin wires. Both have high data transmission capacity and are very fast, but there are some important differences between them.
What are the differences between glass and plastic optical fibers?
One of the main differences between glass and plastic optical fibers is the composition of the wires. Glass optical fiber is made of pure glass, while plastic optical fiber is made of plastic polymers. This difference in composition affects some of the properties of both types of optical fiber.
An important difference is resistance. Plastic optical fiber is more resistant than glass optical fiber, since glass is a more sensitive and less resistant material than plastic. This makes plastic optical fiber more suitable for use in corrugated tubes and domestic installations, where optical fiber could be more prone to breakage.
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Advantages of Glass Fiber Optics:
- Can withstand high temperatures
- Data transmission at high speeds and long distances
- Extremely thin fibers
Disadvantages of Glass Fiber Optics:
- Requires specialized knowledge and expensive mounting equipment
- Delicate and fragile due to the thin fibers
Plastic Fiber Optics (POF):
- Immune to electromagnetic interference generated by power and current cables
- Lighter and easier to handle than glass fiber optics
- Simple to install without the need for fusion splicing equipment
Advantages of Plastic Fiber Optics:
- Inexpensive material and easy to handle
- Anyone can install it without being an expert
- No need for expensive tools or equipment
- Very flexible and resistant to bending
Disadvantages of Plastic Fiber Optics:
- Signal attenuation and dispersion limits transmission to short distances (50 meters)
- Can only transmit up to 1 Gbps of data
Conclusion:
The choice between glass fiber optics and plastic fiber optics depends on the needs and requirements of each network and application. Both have their own advantages and are suitable for different applications. However, if you want to have a fiber installation point-to-point in one or more additional points in your home, plastic fiber is the more attractive option.
