What is Optical Cable?
An optical cable is an optical fiber that has been coated with a tough layer of resin. This layer is then surrounded by what is referred to as a jacket layer. Most often, the jacket layer is made of plastic. The layers around the optical fiber help provide the cable with extra strength. At the same time, these layers do not prevent the fiber inside from maintaining its properties.
The fiber in an optical cable is typically made of either glass or plastic. The fiber itself is thin and transparent, making it capable of transmitting light. One cable may have thousands of these fibers within it, making the cable capable of transmitting a great deal of information through bandwidth communication or large amounts of electricity.

Optical cables can be purchased with a wide variety of different sheathings and armor. The intended use for the cable determines which type should be selected. Uses can range from use as power lines, burial in trenches, attaching to aerial telephone poles, use in conduit, submarine installation, and placement within paved streets.
When used indoors, the jacketed fiber of the optical cable is usually enclosed and uses a lightweight plastic cover. Each end of the cable is usually terminated with an optical fiber connector, which makes it easier to connect and disconnect. If the cable is to be used outdoors, a loose-tube construction design is usually used. This design consists of semi-rigid tubes that make it possible for the outside of the cable to stretch without stretching the fiber inside. This keeps the fiber protected from tension and extreme changes in temperature.

The fiber within the optical cable also needs to be protected from water. This is because the hydrogen and the hydroxyl ions within water will diffuse into the fiber. If this occurs, the strength of the fiber is reduced. Copper tubes or special water-repellent jellies are used to keep water away from the fiber.
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Discussion Comments
anon90267- It may depend on how old your DVR is. It was explained to me that when optical cables are used, some older equipment is not capable of handling the power. The equipment may be your issue, or perhaps there is a cable best recommended for that DVR model. Either way a call to the manufacturer may be helpful.
Our internet company is putting in optical lines and informed me that the modem I just purchased from them will not be able to handle the power coming through; they will need to replace it for me.
Using an optical cable from motorola DVR to a JVC audio amplifier is a problem. Reason? The end plugging into the DVR is very loose - a poor fit. Are there different ends or adapters for optical cables or are they standardized?
Optical cable being used is new and works extremely well between my DVD and JVC amplifier. Any shedding of light would be appreciated. Thank you.
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