Fiber optics, or optical fiber, is a technology that transmits information as light pulses along a glass or plastic fiber. The glass or plastic fiber is a cylindrical dielectric waveguide that transmits light along its axis through the process of total internal reflection. The fiber consists of a core surrounded by a cladding layer, both of which are made of dielectric materials. To confine the optical signal in the core, the refractive index of the core must be greater than that of the cladding. Fiber optics is used for long-distance and high-performance data networking, as well as in telecommunication services such as internet, television, and telephones. Fiber optic cables are made of strands of glass or plastic that use light signals to send information, allowing for much faster transmission rates than traditional copper cables. Some key components of an optical fiber include the core, cladding, and jacket. Advantages of fiber optics include high bandwidth, electromagnetic immunity, low signal loss, security, and less weight.