Introduction
Communication cables such as optical communication cables are essential in undersea and terrestrial arrangements. This optical communication cables have structures that protect them against damage from the external environment. On the other hand, for undersea cables, their high tensile strength makes them to be laid in Deep Ocean of around 7315 meters. In the optical fibers, signals are transmitted in form of light pulses (Fiber Optic Communications Tutorial, n. d., Para V).
The coaxial cable systems came before the optical communication cables; therefore, most of them are analog in their mode of operations. High signals are displayed on the screen as waves of high amplitudes, while low signals are displayed as waves with low amplitudes. Coaxial pipes carry broadband signals of unique data. The transmission process involves combining frequency at the terminal and separation of the signals at the receiving end (Telecommunications and Networks, 2011, Para I).
Background
Saudi Arabia’s Telecommunication System
Saudi Arabia has one of the most modern telecommunication networks worldwide. The country had coaxial cables that crisscrossed it, and connected the country with United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan. There were also undersea coaxial cables that linked the country with Djibouti and Egypt’s coastal line. By 1991, Saudi Arabia had five satellite stations that were operating with the Indian Ocean Satellites and International Telecommunication Satellite Corporation (Intelsat) of the Atlantic Ocean. There were expanded networks of 1.6 million telephones, over 40 AM radio stations, and over 100 TV stations. Moreover, there was the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) that aided communications to ships at the sea. In addition, there were around five million-radio receivers and close to 4.5 million TV sets (Communications, n. d., Para II).
The Revolution Of Communication Cables
The history of Communication cables can be traced back when the Russian Scientist P.L. Shilling invented the electric telegraph in 1832 (Communications, n. d., Para IV). The conductors that carried current were initially insulated using gutta-percha. Afterwards, a mixture of cotton fabric and an insulating compound was used in twisting the conductors in order to form cores. To prevent rusting, the core was galvanized using lead or steel tubing.
These insulators improved signal transmission between different points. In 1882, the first underground cable conduit was introduced in Saudi Arabia. This system of conduits had steel pipes, which were covered with concrete and formed a place for laying the lead sheath cables. There was a drastic growth in the manufacture of pair cables with the continued increase in telephone traffic (Communications, n. d., Para VI).
Coaxial cables became essential around 1940’s as they could be used in transmitting television broadcasts. Notably, the sizes of the cables also reduced tremendously during the Second World War, for example, the symmetrical copper cables had a diameter of between 0.3 to 6.0 mm. In the whole world, Saudi Arabia had one of the best telecommunication systems by 1991.
In addition, communication cables have had a chronological sequence of their evolvement to the present time. In Saudi Arabia, there have been massive expansions of facilities to put up with the continuous dynamic and growing market. By 2003, close to two thirds of Saudi’s had access to the internet. More lines were commissioned to ease internet access due to the increasing demand (Communication, n. d. Para IV).
Materials For Protecting The Cables
Currently, there are six types of materials that are used as sheaths for cables. There are plastic sheaths, which are made from polyvinyl chloride; metal sheaths are made from corrugated aluminum or smooth steel, and lead. There is also metal-plastic sheath made of alum-polyethylene (Coaxial Cable – An Overview, 2009, Para II).
These cables are grouped in terms of the design that is, coaxial and symmetrical, the transmission frequency range, the areas of use, and properties of the cable lines. Some cables are laid in trenches, overhead, and underwater. In underground water cables, are those that are use in deep sea for long distances. They are laid in oceans using ships. Others are laid on the bottom of canals or rivers.
Advantages of Communication Cables
Limitless Bandwidth
Communication cables like Optical Fiber Cable have numerous advantages over Copper cables. For instance, they do not have bandwidth limits or speed limits. Therefore, they can be used to support any given speed that any active component requires at the terminals (Communications, n. d., Para VI).
Additionally, they have the capability to run over a long distance and, at the same time, the signals are not repeated along the distance. This is cost effective in signal production. The distances require different speeds in each material (Advantages and Limitations of Optical Fiber Cable/ Communication, 2010, Para XV).
Cost Effective and Flexible
The terminals of the cable are very sensitive, and are the points that replaced in case of default or upgrading of the system to withstand higher bandwidths instead of changing the whole system. Clearly, this also cost effective. These cables are also able to support dual communications that is, transmission, and reception.
This eliminates the cost of installing two cables systems to perform the tasks. Optical cables are flexible thus can be installed at any place; for example, the Indoor Fiber Cables are laid within the buildings and Shielded Fiber Cables are installed outside buildings. Mostly, they are laid under the ground at approximately 3 feet or higher using protective devices (Advantages and Limitations of Optical Fibre Cable/ Communication, 2010, Para XXI).
No Electromagnetic Interference
Electromagnetic Interference does not affect these communication cables since they carry light, which shields the signals. This feature makes them to be applied in many industrial activities. In lightning prone areas, they are applicable in transferring the light to the ground. They do not carry electrical signals thus making them safe for the usage. Again, they do not ignite or accelerate the burning process in case of fire outbreak in regions where they are installed (Fibre Optic Communications Tutorial, n. d., Para III).
Less Signal Loss
Unlike copper UTP cables where there are chances of signal loss in case cables run a long each other, Optical Fiber Cable systems do not experience this cross talk and there are no possibilities of wire-tapping in optical fiber cables. This process is possible in copper UTP cables. Lastly, it is possible to trouble shoot Optical Fiber Network while it is operational. Equipment like Optical Time Domain Reflectometer can detect any fault that may arise due to fiber splicing and breaks (Fiber Optic Communications Tutorial, n. d., Para VIII).
Secure
The cables also do not require political process in allocating bandwidth. Cables are also more secure. The recent changes in the communication sector have made different countries to adopt the use of communication cables to increase the efficiency in the communication sector (Fiber Optic Communications Tutorial, n. d., Para VIII).
Disadvantages of communication cables
Costly in Installation and Splicing
Installation of these communication cables is quite expensive, as it requires resources and skilled work force that are given high returns. Upon completing the installation process, the fiber cores are always tested using Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) equipment. This machine is expensive to procure and the cost of testing each core is considerably high if rented.
Moreover, the communication cable requires core splicing during trouble shooting so that the connection can be complete. The high cost is also evident in laying outdoor shielded fiber cables. This cable always requires concrete slabs and external HDPE pipe that surrounds the whole length of the cable. Obviously, this adds the cost of maintaining and installing these communication cables (Excitingip, 2011, Para X).
Lack of Standard Connectors
In comparing Optical Fibers to Copper UTP cables, the latter is able to carry both data and power. Optical Fibers are not in a position to carry power and, therefore, cannot power IP devices like Wireless Access Points. Optical fibers also do not have standard connectors and jacks like Copper UTP cables. This adds confusion.
Small bend radius
Further, information hacking can be carried out from optical fiber cables if one bends a normal fiber optic cable. When the cable bends, signal leakage could be induced since they are not totally tamper proof. Additionally, the small bend radius of optical fibers implies that extreme bending may lead to signal loss (Advantages and Limitations of Optical Fiber Cable/ Communication, 2010, Para III).
Solutions and Recommendations
Materials’ subsidization
Since communication cables are essential devices in enhancing the passage of information or data from one point of the globe to another, government bodies and communication agencies should ensure that these devices are subsidized in order to minimize cost of production. This will translate to a reduced cost of cable splicing and installation (Fiber Optic Communications Tutorial, n. d., Para VIII).
Manufacturing Standardized and Quality Cables
Saudi Arabia being one of the giants in the telecommunication sector can engage the manufacturing companies in reducing the levies in order to make quality products. This approach may enhance data safety, since the cables will be of high quality (Advantages and Limitations of Optical Fiber Cable/ Communication, 2010, Para XV).
Enhanced Information Confidentiality
Moreover, efficient communication cables will ease the transmission of data and safety. Data security remains a great challenge globally that world governments are trying to address. The possibilities of data access by third parties will be minimized if effective cables are put in place. For these dimensions to work effectively, they must use cables that are of high standard and must be assured of information protection and security (Coaxial Cable – An Overview, 2009, Para II).
Conclusion
The internet has many users. This make the information stored herein become vulnerable that is, it can be accessed by anybody if not well protected online. Therefore, one needs to ensure that the pieces of information in the internet are properly secured. Intruders can get access to these pieces of information without the owner’s authority. Such action violates the rule of information confidentiality.
References
Advantages and Limitations of Optical Fiber Cable/ Communication. (2010). Web.
Coaxial Cable – An Overview. (2009). Pelco Security Cameras – Surveillance Camera Systems by Schneider Electric. Web.
Communications. The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Homepage. Web.
Excitingip. (2011). What is Structured Cabling Computer? Web.
Fiber Optic Communications Tutorial. Resources and analysis for electronics engineers. Web.
Harmer, A. (1999). Communication Cables and Related Technologies: EC ’99. Amsterdam: IOS Press.
Telecommunications and Networks (2011). Radio-Electronics.com: resources and analysis for electronics engineers. Web.