Optical fiber uses the optical principle of "total internal reflection" to capture the light transmitted in an optical fiber and confine the light to the core of the fiber. An optical fiber is comprised of a light-carrying core in the center, surrounded by a cladding that acts to traps light in the. Optical fibers are circular dielectric wave-guides used to contain and transmit light over short or long distances. They consist of three elements as shown in Figure 1: a central core, cladding and a protective coating. It is a method of transmitting data and video over long distances through the propagation of light. Unlike traditional copper cabling, optical fibers transmit data as light, not electricity, minimizing heat concerns in compact cabling ducts and high-density networks. Light entering the fiber at angles greater than the critical angle reflects off the fiber walls, bouncing along the fiber without escaping.
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