Plastic Fiber Optic Simulations

Plastic fiber optics media is viable for small networks. The current applications include data distribution in aircraft and automobiles. Plastic fiber systems being an order of magnitude less expensive than silica fiber optic systems and being more robust have applications in other traditional data communication systems. In this paper, we present the simulation results for possible applications for high-rise office buildings and premises distribution architectures. The signal to noise ratio for optical rates up to 2.5 Gb/s and for link lengths up to 5 km are reported, even though the signal level becomes too low for the PIN diodes. The quality of components affects the performance dramatically and their impact is reported. Experimental results are scarce in the literature for either of the two (PMMA and PF) categories of commercial plastic fibers. The simulations are focused for the PMMA plastic fiber to offer a window and envision other applications for this new breed of optical fibers.