Super-speed plastic-optical-fibre systems

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The consumer demand for super-speed data communications in the home at rates of multiple gigabits per second is rapidly increasing due to the demand for sending high-resolution video around the home. Currently popular alternatives include: ethernet using twisted pair wires, wireless links, coaxial cable links, and fibre-optic links using glass fibres; each of these currently popular approaches has significant limitations. The problem with ethernet links is the difficulty of putting on the terminations; although possible with the correct tools and testing devices, this is beyond the capability of most home owners. This means wiring up the home must be done by professionals which is cost prohibitive. Wireless links are adequate at the current time for compressed video, but are not fast enough for non-compressed video which complicates systems. Many older homes have problems with wireless links reaching all corners of a home; also, as the systems become more popular, over-crowding and therefore deteriorated links are predicted. Coaxial links are increasing in popularity and are one of the best current alternatives. Their major limitations are the wires are bulky and hard to conceal, and although they can be terminated by most home owners, this is not trivial. At the current time, wiring up a complete house normally requires professionals in the majority of the cases which increases costs. Fibre optic systems using glass fibre is currently prohibitively expensive and again requires professional installation.