How did fiber optic get its name?

Fiber optic gets its name from the fact that it utilizes glass fibers to transmit data through light. This technology is based on the principle of total internal reflection, where light signals travel through these thin strands of glass, allowing for high-speed data transmission over long distances with minimal loss. The use of "fiber" in the term emphasizes the physical medium—glass or plastic fibers—through which the data travels, while "optic" refers to the light signals being used to convey information. This innovative method stands in contrast to traditional copper wiring and electrical signaling found in earlier communication technologies, which is why it is named fiber optic.