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An optical fiber is a flexible, transparent fiber used to transmit light or electromagnetic signals between the two locations. It is commonly used in fiber-optic communications for transmitting information over short or long distances, often replacing traditional metal wires. Optical fibers have several advantages over copper wires, including the ability to carry significantly more information and being resistant to electromagnetic interference. Most long-distance telephone lines are now made of optical fibers. Compared to copper, glass fiber requires more protection in its outer cable. There are two main types of optical fiber: single-mode fiber, used for long-distance transmission, and multimode fiber, which is suitable for shorter distances. A typical fiber optic cable consists of a core, cladding, coating, strengthening fibers, and an outer jacket. The core is a single, continuous strand of glass or plastic, measured in microns by its outer diameter. The cladding is a thin layer surrounding the core that serves as a boundary, containing the light waves and causing refraction to keep the light within the core. The coating is a layer of plastic that reinforces the core and cladding, offering extra protection against excessive bending of the cable. Other components provide protection against crushing forces and excessive tension. The outer layer of the cable is called the cable jacket.