Fiber optic cables are a type of networking cable that uses light to transmit data. Unlike traditional copper cables that use electrical signals, fiber optics rely on pulses of light to carry information, making them faster and more efficient over long distances. Covers the basics of fiber optic technology, including how light waves transmit data through thin strands of glass or plastic, and why fiber optics surpass. A TOSLINK optical fiber cable with a clear jacket. In the 1960s, modern optical fiber was created. The first low-loss optical fiber was created in 1970 by Robert Maurer, Donald. Fiber optic cable powers modern communication across telecom networks, broadband infrastructure, industrial systems, defense platforms, marine environments, ROV operations, and custom engineered applications.