Increased cost-effectiveness and technical advantages have moved fiber optics from the research stage to commercial applications. Nonetheless, end users are unlikely to see a large number of fiber optic systems in the next few years, according to industry observers.
Most analysts agree that the key advantage of fiber-optic communications, in addition to much broader bandwidths, is the medium's immunity to electronic impulse medium (ElM) interference. The high security of the medium and the fact that the cabling takes up far less space than ordinary cabling are seen as added pluses.
Despite these advantages, the big question about fiber optics has been whether the technology could be made cost effective. The precision needed to tap into fiber systems is still too high to make use practical in any role other than as backbones to LMJs and long distance networks. The difficulty of installation and the relative immaturity of the industry puts the common use of fiber-optic systems about five years in the future.
Dan Walters, MCI vice president for transmission network engineering, has said that the company can cost-justify the effectiveness of fiber cabling in areas where there are 30,000 voice circuits or more.
