Gap loss
Gap loss is a type of signal strength loss that occurs in fiber optic transmission when the signal is transferred from one section of fiber or cable to another. [1]
Definition
Specifically, gap loss happens when the signal from one end of a piece of cable is transferred to another, but there is a space, breakage or gap between them. Since fiber optics transmit data via light, the light can cross this gap, but spreads out and is weakened and diffused when it does so.
The light that crosses the gap and enters the next section of cable is broken up. Some of it reflects off, and some will hit the covering of the cable and not enter into the cable. If the gap is small, the gap loss will be small, but if the gap is very large, it may totally corrupt the signal.[2]
Gap loss is usually caused by poorly fitted multi-sectional fiber optic cables, but can also be caused by breaks in the fiber optic line. If the line is directly buried, then dirt will usually fill in any gap, causing a signal outage; however, if in a sealed cable liner, a break may leave the two cable ends lined up enough for gap loss to occur.[3]
Effects of Gap Loss
As a result of signal strength and cohesion being lost (due to the scattering of the light), a fiber optic signal suffering from gap loss is degraded in both quality and throughput.
References
Further Reading
- Fiber Optic Reference Guide: a practical guide to the technology By David R. Goff, Kimberly S. Hansen. ISBN 0240804864.