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Applications of fiber optics include:
  1. Telecommunications
  2. Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs)
  3. Factory Automation
  4. Premises Wiring
As mentioned earlier, applications of fiber optics for internet traffic are especially important. When fiber optic's advantages make fiber significantly superior to copper, replacement occurs or a network is built from scratch using fiber.
Application-Specific Advantages
Telecommunications over long distances is a natural area for fiber optics because of the high bandwidth possible with a single fiber strand. Fibers are lighter than copper wire so that they can more easily be transported to the cable laying site and can often be more easily routed. Fiber cables are much more difficult than copper wire to tap, so in addition there is a security advantage.

LANs and WANs take advantage of the afore-mentioned advantages as well as noise immunity. Factory automation, in particular, utilizes the lack of sparks and noise immunity inherent with fiber.

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STEM Career Outlook

Wages, employment opportunities, and growth projections for STEM jobs.

Mechanical Engineers Outlook

Guide for those interested in becoming a mechanical engineer. Includes qualifications, pay, and job duties.

CNC Machining Design Guide

Optimize your designs, reduce machining time, and lower your costs.

Metal 3D Printing Design Guide

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D printing for parts with reduced cost and little waste.