Optical Fibre Communications So Far

Abstract

The possibilities of using optical fibres for telephone communication were first realized in 1966 and the first experimental system were installed in the field 10 years later. By the end of 1981 over 100 systems had been installed, world-wide, in public telephone networks and they are rapidly displacing coaxial cable for the interconnection of telephone exchanges. In the United Kingdom it is expected that 1983 will be the last year in which any coaxial cable is installed for this purpose. This review describes the course of these developments and outlines the paths likely to be followed during the next few years. The use of optical fibre will be extended soon to submarine cable communication systems and further improvements in the cost-effectiveness of landlines in the trunk and junction networks are imminent. However, their use in connections to the individual subscriber is less certain and will take longer to implement economically.