Explain how a single fiber optic cable can handle two way communication both half and full duplex?

Answer 1

A single fiber optic cable can facilitate two-way communication through a method called wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). WDM enables the transmission of multiple signals (or wavelengths of light) simultaneously over the same fiber optic cable, allowing for both half-duplex and full-duplex communication.

Here's a brief explanation of how this works:

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM):

Wavelength division multiplexing involves using different wavelengths of light to carry multiple signals over the same fiber optic cable.

Two common types of WDM are:

Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM): Uses fewer wavelengths spread over a wider range.

Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM): Utilizes more closely spaced wavelengths, allowing for higher data capacity.

Half-Duplex Communication:

In half-duplex communication, data can be transmitted in both directions, but not simultaneously.

WDM can be configured to use different wavelengths for upstream and downstream communication.

For example, one wavelength can be assigned for transmitting data from the source to the destination (upstream), and another wavelength for transmitting data from the destination back to the source (downstream).

Full-Duplex Communication:

In full-duplex communication, data can be transmitted simultaneously in both directions.

This can be achieved by using separate wavelengths for upstream and downstream, allowing for independent transmission paths.

For instance, one wavelength can be dedicated to upstream data flow, while another wavelength is used for downstream data flow.

Bidirectional Communication:

By utilizing different wavelengths for different directions, the fiber optic cable effectively supports bidirectional communication.

Each communicating party can use its assigned wavelength to transmit and receive data independently.

In summary, Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) allows a single fiber optic cable to handle two-way communication, whether it's half-duplex or full-duplex, by employing different wavelengths for different communication paths. This enables simultaneous data transmission in both directions over the same fiber optic link.

Answer 2

Optical data transmission is the name of the method of sending data through fiber optic cables. One optic cable can contain hundreds if not thousands of optic fibers. Simplex and half duplex systems use only one fiber to communicate. Simplex transmits only in one specific direction, while half duplex can send in both directions but not at the same time. If likened to a walkie-talkie radio, when the talk button is pressed it is transmitting out but will not be able to receive incoming transmission until the talk button is released. In a full duplex system, two fibers are used to communicate. One fiber is transmitting from point A to point B and the other fiber is transmitting back from point B to point A.