What we have today as fiber optic cable was made possible in the 1840s by Daniel Colladon and Jacques Babinet in Paris with their demonstration of guiding light by refractor but then the cable itself has not been produced until 1970.
Since then, fiber optic cable has significantly brought so many changes in the telecommunication industry which have enhanced security and bandwidth.
A fiber-optic cable also known as optical fiber cable, is a type of cable that is produced using tiny glass, elastic or plastic strands that transfers data signals in form of a ray of light and travel hundreds of miles faster than copper or any other traditional electrical cables.
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It contains more optical fibers within a plastic casing and is not affected by electromagnetic interference that can reduce the speed of transmission.
Fiber cables are covered with a protective material called Kevlar or Twaron and are less in weight. It is widely used in fiber-optic communications, such as fiber-optic internet, phone, and TV services.
There are two common types of fiber optics, they are:
- Single-mode fiber (SMF)
- Multi-mode fiber (MMF)
The SMF as the name implies, has one smaller size of 9microns, operating in 1310-1550nm and can travel a longer distance of 100km while MMF on the other hand, has two core sizes of 62.5 and 50microns and operated in 850nm.
According to Market Research World, “the Global Fiber Optic Cables market size is estimated to be worth US$ 12.04 billion in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 17.07 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 6.0% during the review period”.
Having understood the concept of fiber optic cables, let’s dive into the top 10 fiber optics companies in the world:
1. CORNING INCORPORATED
Corning Incorporated is one of the pioneers of fiber optic cable since 1970 with its researchers Robert Maurer, Donald Keck, and Peter Schult. Corning Incorporated is headquartered in New York, operates in 15 counties with over 115 manufacturing facilities, and has a market share of 16.3%.
They manufacture a wide range of optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display technology, automotive, life science glass, and ceramic products.
2. PRYSMIAN GROUP
Next on our list is the Milan-based Prysmian Group. This is one of the largest fiber-optic companies in the world and Its products are sold to Verizon and Siemens.
Prysmian Group functions in 21 countries with over 50 plants for more than 150 years now. It was founded in 1879. They manufacture and supply energy to telecommunications.
In 2021, Prysmian deployed 180pm fiber cables for 5G network infrastructure. The company is famous for making submarine and underground power cables that transmit high voltage current and high-speed broadband.
3. YANGTZE OPTICAL FIBRE AND CABLE JOINT STOCK LTD
Yangtze Optical Fibre And Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) was founded in 1988 in Wuhan, China. YOFC is one of the major manufacturers and global distributors of optical fiber and cable products.
The company has been producing optical fiber preform, optical fiber, and optical cable as way back as 1992.
YOFC also provides telecom operators, cloud and data centers, smart campuses, rail transport, education, power grids, consumer electronics, and government with their solutions.
4. FUJIKURA LTD
This is a fiber optic company that is based in Japan. It was founded by Zenpachi Fujikura in 1885 and is headquartered in Koto City, Tokyo.
The company is focused on the development and export of materials for information and communication, electronics, and automotive goods and services.
Fujikura produces optical fiber cables and coaxial cables worldwide. The company has a market share of 11.1%. This company can also be seen in the real estate leasing business.
5. SUMITOMO CORPORATION
Also based in japan on our list is Sumitomo Corporation. Since its establishment in 1919, the company has been doing well for itself.
Sumitomo exports a wide range of products from fiber optic cables and wires, to metals, automotive (rubber and steel), textiles, and even food products.
Furthermore, Sumitomo Corporation also participates in other ventures such as logistics, finance, and real estate development.
Most of Sumimoto Corporation’s revenues are generated outside of Japan.
6. FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO LTD
Furukawa serves 70% of the Japanese market, Asia, including China, and North America.
They have been in the business of energy and industrial products, light metals and metals, electronic and automotive systems, and telecommunications (fiber optics and network equipment) for over 125 years. They have a market share of 11.1% .
7. TE CONNECTIVITY
TE CONNECTIVITY specializes in connection and sensor products. It offers fiber optic cable assemblies, as well as connectors, tooling, converters, and transceivers.
The company provides solutions that power electric vehicles, aircraft, digital factories, and smart homes.
It also offers innovation that enables life-saving medical care, sustainable communities, efficient utility networks, and the global communications infrastructure.
For more than 75 years, TE Connectivity partnered with customers to produce highly engineered connectivity and sensing products that make the connected world possible.
The wide range of fiber optics has made its name one of the top fiber optic companies in the world.
8. OFS
Optical Fiber Cable and Connectivity Solutions(OFS) OFS is one of the leading fiber optic manufacturers in the world, it was founded in 2001 and headquartered in Norcross, Georgia. They manufacture fiber optic cables mostly for telecommunications.
The company offers optical fiber and fiber optic cables, fiber laser components, fusion splicers, fiber laser amplifiers, modules, and optical connectivity and photonic products to major telecommunication companies around the globe.
9. FIBERHOME TELECOMMUNICATION TECH. CO. LTD
FiberHome Telecommunication Technologies Co Ltd is a state-owned technology company that is based in Wuhan, China.
Since its establishment in 1974, it is concerned with designing and manufacturing telecommunication products such as fiber optic cables, wires, and integrated broadband access systems (IBAS).
The company’s achievements have earned it a place as one of the top fiber optics companies around the globe.
10. COMMSCOPE
CommScope is a fiber optic company based in North Carolina, USA.
It was founded in 1967 and it is engaged in designs, manufactures, and builds fiber optic and coaxial cables, and other communication products for telecommunications worldwide.
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