Shipboard Installation of Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic transmission systems using small-diameter glass rods to transmit light signals over long distances present an effective alternative to conventional copper cable for signal exchange on board ship. Connectors containing light sources (transmitters) and detectors (receivers), along with an impressive variety of fiber optic cable types, are now available from commercial sources at prices that compete favorably with conventional wire and cable. Marine qualification is expected in the near future. This paper presents a discussion of the advantages of fiber optic cable systems as a method of accomplishing signal exchange on board ships and outlines some of the problems that may be encountered when actually installing fiber optic cable on ships.