Optical Communications: An Overview

Optical communications refers to the transmission of information using light as the carrier signal, typically through optical fibers or free-space optical systems. This technology has become the backbone of modern communication networks due to its ability to support extremely high data rates, long-distance transmission, and reliable connectivity.

How Optical Communications Work

Optical communication systems convert electrical signals into light using devices such as lasers or LEDs. The light is transmitted through an optical medium—most commonly fiber optic cables—and is then converted back into electrical signals at the receiving end using photodetectors.