Final answer:
Fiber-optic broadband uses thin plastic or glass fibers to transmit data via light, offering low loss transmission, high bandwidth, and reduced crosstalk. These fibers apply total internal reflection to carry signals for telephone, internet, and cable TV over long distances efficiently.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fiber-optic broadband utilizes thin strands of plastic or glass to transmit light, which applies the principle of total internal reflection to efficiently carry data over long distances. Due to their design, fiber-optic cables can transmit light many kilometers without significant signal loss, a characteristic known as low loss. Additionally, these fibers exhibit high bandwidth, allowing more data to be transmitted simultaneously than copper wires, and reduced crosstalk, meaning that signals in adjacent fibers do not interfere with each other.
The extensive use of fiber optics has revolutionized communications by enabling the transmission of telephone, internet, and cable TV signals with immensely improved quality and speed. This innovation is supported by layers with different indexes of refraction in the fibers, fostering more light guidance and reflection around corners. Whether placed underground or on the ocean floor, these fiber-optic systems offer several advantages over traditional copper-based systems.