Fiber optics has several advantages over traditional metal communications lines:

• Fiber optic cables are less susceptible than metal cables to interference.

• Data can be transmitted digitally (the natural form for computer data) rather than analogically.

The main disadvantage of fiber optics is that the cables are expensive to install. In addition, they are more fragile than wire and are difficult to splice.

Fiber optics is a particularly popular technology for local-area networks. In addition, telephone companies are steadily replacing traditional telephone lines with fiber optic cables. In the future, almost all communications will employ fiber optics.

OpticallyNetworked.com 
Comprehensive up-to-date news and resources for professionals involved in optical networking.

Cable testers buyers directory
Offers a collection of links to cable tester companies and products. This page is hosted by LAN Times Online.

Corning's Optical Fiber Information Center
This Optical Fiber Information Center, from Corning, provides information on fiber optic technology, as well as links to news, product information, facts, applications, and a tutorial.

Fiber optic components provider
Home page for Princeton Optics Inc., provider of fiber optic components and services.

Guide to selecting fiber optic connectors
Provides a step by step guide to the top 12 fiber connectors available commercially. There is a description and drawing of each connector type, along with notes on technological advancements, bibliographic information, and a glossary of terms.

TC Communications, Inc.
Home page of TC Communications, Inc., manufacturer of fiber optic equipment for data, voice digital video communications. Products includes fiber optic modems, multiplexers, converters, repeaters, tranceivers for RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, V.35, T1, and E1.

Fiber Optic cable manufacturer
Home page for Fibertronics, manufacturer and distributor of fiber optic cable and related components.