Fiber-optic cable is widely used for its ability to carry large numbers of data and voice channels over great distances more efficiently than traditional copper cable. Fiber-optic cable transports data using light, rather than electrical currents. Data transported over fiber-optic systems must be converted from the electrical signals generated by business equipment (e.g., computers, telephones) to light-energy pulses that pass through an optical fiber in the form of photons. At the receiving location, the light energy is converted back to electrical energy.

Optical Fiber Types
There are two types of optical fiber: single mode and multimode. Single-mode fibers transmit only one light wave along the core, while multimode fibers transmit many light waves. Single-mode fibers contain lower signal loss and support higher transmission rates than multimode fibers. A high percentage of fiber-optic cable currently being installed by carriers is single-mode.

Expensive Installation
Fiber installation is costly and the necessary equipment is expensive, preventing most companies from totally replacing their existing copper wire with optical fiber. This technology is a better fit for companies with large enterprise networks.

Long Distance Transmission
One key advantage of fiber-optic cable is its ability to transmit signals over long distances without signal loss. SDSL signals, on the other hand, begin to break down over 18,000 feet. For most businesses, this distance problem is not an issue. Most businesses are within SDSL range of a central office and can install SDSL equipment without concern about signal loss.

A Network for Businesses
Mpower is taking steps to reach business customers everywhere by building its own network over the copper-wire infrastructure of existing phone companies. These lines will allow Mpower to locate equipment in areas where DSL technology is not yet available.