Fibre Optic cable and impacts in Kenya

By Franklin MutumaD61/71648/2008

DefinitionFiber Optic – refers to technology that uses

cables made up of thin glass fibers that can conduct the light generated by lasers for high-speed telecommunications.

Fiber Cable parts

IntroductionAccording to James Obrien (O'brien, 2002) Fiber

optic cable has one or more filaments of grass enclosed in a protective jacket. It can achieve transmission speeds of 320 billion bits per second. This translates to about 640 times better than coaxial and 32,000 times better than twisted pair.

Fiber-optic communications is based on the principle that light in a glass medium can carry more information over longer distances than electrical signals can carry in a copper or coaxial medium or radio frequencies through a wireless medium.

Currently Kenya is connected by two fiber cables from the following companies.

TEAMSSEACOM

Map

ImpactsIncreased hacking - Unauthorized attempts to

bypass the security mechanisms of an information system or network

Faster connection speeds to the internetMore jobs created.Closing down of companies due to

competitionUptake of e-commerce activities locally.Over reliance on one connection cause loss of

business

ImpactsMore system attacks.Faster communication e.g. mobile phoneHigh costs of maintenance especially in cases

of sabotage.Decentralization of government services

Advantages of FiberFaster connectionLess prone to vandalism

Disadvantages of fiberHigh cost of Installing and maintainingProne to sabotage by business competitors

e.g. Telkom Kenya spend Shs. 12 Million monthly to repair

Questions and Comments