Follow the Fiber, See the Light, Fiber is Finally at the Desktop!

Childrens's toys, home decorations, and automotive conveniences are examples of the growth of fiber optics in the marketplace. Fiber optic technology was everywhere except where we expected it to be - the desktop. The number one reason for the delay in getting fiber to the desktop was the high labor cost for installation and termination. Connectivity devices and fiber optic devices in general could also be prohibitively priced. Another deterrent was the difficulty in finding the required connectivity devices. With all of these considerations, the networking industry used fiber optics primarily for connecting wiring centers (closets) together, creating a network backbone. This application applied to both intraand inter-building networks including campus environments. Innovations in the fiber industry fabrication processes have contributed to decreases in the cost of fiber cable and components such as network interface cards (NIC), connectors, and accessories. Besides costing less, these products have been improved and the installation process is now faster and better.