The Application of Fiber Optics to Army Communications

Abstract

We will examine a broad class of army communications applications for optical waveguides. Of principal interest is the multimode low-loss fiber. The applications receiving primary attention are (a) a long haul time division cable (TDM) system, (b) local distribution cable used to connect telephone users to central switches within a command post. A cost trade-off analysis reveals a cost saving up to $3K/km of a fiber optic TDM cable system over a conventional metallic cable system now in the army inventory. A review of a feasibility model design that employs a low-loss ruggedized Corning fiber cable, with special sources and detectors designed for ECOM application, is conducted. The resulting cable facilities appear fully capable of meeting all aspects of army cabling requirements and possesses all of the traditional advantages of fiber optic transmission system.