consists of an ultra-fine core of glass to convey the light pulses
provides the transmission path (waveguide) for light signals
can be made from glass or plastic
Cladding
core is surrounded by glass or plastic cladding, which guides the light pulses along the core
reflects signals back into the waveguide as efficiently as possible
can be made from glass or plastic
applied as a thin layer surrounding the core
has a different refractive index than the core
creates a boundary that causes the light to bounce back into the core, facilitating the process of total internal reflection that guides the light signal through the core
Buffer
a protective plastic coating
may be tight or loose
loose uses a lubricant between the strand and the sheath
fiber optic cable is contained in a protective jacket and terminated by a connector
each fiber strand can only transfer light in a single direction at a time
multiple fibers are often bundled together within a cable
allow for simultaneous transmission and reception or to provide links for multiple applications
many different outdoor jackets
kevlar (aramid) strands and fiberglass rods (strength members) are often used to protect the fibers from excessive bending or kinking when pulling the cable
for outdoor applications, a steel shield (armor) may be added to deter rodent gnawing