Power-over-fiber, or PoF, is a technology in which a

fiber-optic cable A fiber-optic cable, also known as an optical-fiber cable, is an assembly similar to an electrical cable but containing one or more optical fibers that are used to carry light. The optical fiber elements are typically individually coated with p ...

carries

optical power In optics, optical power (also referred to as dioptric power, refractive power, focal power, focusing power, or convergence power) is the degree to which a lens, mirror, or other optical system converges or diverges light. It is equal to the ...

, which is used as an energy source rather than, or as well as, carrying data. This allows a device to be remotely powered, while providing

electrical isolation Galvanic isolation is a principle of isolating functional sections of electrical systems to prevent current flow; no direct conduction path is permitted. Energy or information can still be exchanged between the sections by other means, suc ...

between the device and the power supply. Such systems can be used to protect the power supply from dangerous voltages such as from

lightning Lightning is a natural phenomenon consisting of electrostatic discharges occurring through the atmosphere between two electrically charged regions. One or both regions are within the atmosphere, with the second region sometimes occurring on ...

, or to prevent voltage from the supply from igniting

explosives An explosive (or explosive material) is a reactive substance that contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. An exp ...

. Power over fiber may also be useful in applications or environments where it is important to avoid the electromagnetic fields created by electricity flowing through copper wire, such as around delicate sensors or in sensitive military applications.

References

Networking hardware Network appliances Electric power Power supplies Fiber to the premises {{optics-stub

See also

References