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What is fibre optics and how does it work?
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Did you know the very first fibre optic telephone call happened in 1977? Since then, fibre optics has become part of daily life, changing the way we work, play and stay connected.
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 7 November 2025
Key takeaways
Fibre optics send information as flashes of light through tiny glass strands, making your internet much faster and more reliable.
Light-speed performance means faster downloads, smoother streaming, and stronger connections compared to traditional copper cables.
Fibre networks are now the backbone of modern communication, powering everything from broadband and phone lines to global data connections.
Virgin Media’s fibre network builds on this legacy, bringing next-generation speeds and connectivity to homes across the UK.
What is fibre optics?
Fibre optics sends data as pulses of light through very thin strands of glass or plastic. These strands, called fibre optic cables, are about the width of a human hair. Because it uses light instead of electricity, fibre can carry much more information, much faster, and with fewer dropouts.
Fibre optics is the backbone of how we communicate today. It powers everything from broadband networks and phone lines to the undersea cables that link countries around the world. At home, it’s what makes streaming in 4K, joining Zoom calls, and downloading large files feel instant and effortless.
How fibre optics works
Fibre optic technology uses the principles of light reflection and refraction to carry data. Light signals travel through the fibre cables without distortion, maintaining their strength and speed.
Think of fibre as a light conductor: once light enters the cable’s core, it’s trapped by the surrounding cladding and repeatedly reflects off the inner walls, allowing it to travel long distances at incredible speed with minimal signal loss.
Light pulses: Instead of electrical signals, fibre optics uses pulses of light to carry data. These light signals move incredibly fast, making fibre ideal for high-speed internet.
Total internal reflection: The light travels through the fibre’s transparent core by bouncing off the inner walls: a trick called total internal reflection. This maintains a strong and focused signal over long distances.
Cable structure: Each fibre optic cable contains dozens, or even hundreds, of fine glass strands. Every strand has a core to carry light and a cladding layer that keeps the light trapped inside. A protective coating surrounds each strand, and the whole bundle is enclosed in an outer jacket to keep the cable safe and durable.
High performance: Light moves faster than electricity and keeps its strength over long distances. That means you could stream hundreds of 4K movies at the same time without slowing down your connection. This makes downloads quicker, streaming smoother, and connections more reliable than traditional copper cables.
Fibre optics cables and connectors
Fibre optic cables are specially designed to carry data as pulses of light, with a central core surrounded by protective layers that keep the signal strong and clear. Connectors link these cables together, ensuring the network stays fast and reliable, whether it’s powering broadband at home or connecting larger networks across cities.
Types of fibre optics cables
Not all fibre optic cables are the same. There are two main types, each designed for different jobs:
This type sends light down a single path, making it perfect for long-distance communication. It’s commonly used in large-scale networks like those powering cities or connecting data centres across regions.
This one allows light to travel through multiple paths, which works well over shorter distances. You’ll often find it in office buildings, campuses, and places where speed matters, but the range is more limited.
Uses of fibre optics in everyday life
Fibre optic cables do a lot more than power your internet. From phone lines and business networks to hospital tools and even mood lighting, this tech shows up in more places than you might expect.
Internet and broadband
Imagine streaming your favourite 4K show while someone else in the house joins a video call. With fibre broadband, both happen smoothly, without buffering. Gaming online feels instant, downloads complete in seconds, and working from home becomes seamless. Fibre also improves phone calls, making conversations clearer and more stable.
Telecommunications
Fibre optics is the backbone of modern communication systems. From landlines to mobile networks, they enable long-distance calls and data transfers with crystal-clear quality and minimal delay, making global connectivity faster and more reliable.
Networking
In offices, data centres, and enterprises, fibre keeps everything running smoothly. It provides high-speed, high-capacity links between servers, devices, and systems, ensuring fast access to data and seamless collaboration across networks.
Other everyday uses
Fibre optics isn't just for fast internet. They’re also used in medical tools (think endoscopes) and LED lighting for homes and workplaces. Because they transmit light without electricity, they’re safe, energy-efficient, and perfect for decorative features like accent lights and mood lamps.
Fibre optics powering your home broadband
Fibre optics has changed the way we connect. Today, that same technology powers the superfast broadband networks that bring the internet to your home.
We’re rolling out next-generation full-fibre broadband across the UK, delivering speeds up to 1Gbps and beyond. Whether you're working, learning, or relaxing, Virgin Media has you covered, today and tomorrow.
Ready to experience lightning-fast broadband at home? Check our broadband deals and enter your postcode to see speeds available in your area.
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