The additional coating of a glass fiber optic strand that goes around the cladding is called a(n) _____.

The term that refers to the additional coating of a glass fiber optic strand that surrounds the cladding is known as a buffer. This buffer serves an important purpose: it adds a layer of protection to the optical fiber, shielding it from environmental factors such as moisture, physical damage, and mechanical stress. Furthermore, the buffer helps to provide a flexible and robust structure, making the fiber more durable for installation and use.

In the context of fiber optics, the buffer is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the fiber's performance by minimizing attenuation and loss of signal clarity. It ensures that the delicate glass fibers within the cladding can function effectively in various applications, whether they are used in telecommunications, data transmission, or other fields requiring high-bandwidth communications.

While the terms sheath, insulation, and jacket may refer to other types of protective coverings or layers in different contexts, they do not specifically denote the coating around the cladding in fiber optic cables, making buffer the most accurate and precise term in this case.