What happens to signal quality if fiber cables are bent more than their minimum bend radius?

When fiber cables are bent beyond their minimum bend radius, signal degradation occurs due to several factors. The minimum bend radius is the smallest radius a fiber optic cable can be bent without causing significant performance issues. When the cable is bent too tightly, it can lead to microbending and macrobending effects, both of which impede light transmission.

Microbending occurs when small, localized imperfections or bends in the fiber create uneven pressure on the core, causing some of the light to escape from the core into the cladding, leading to a reduction in signal strength. Macrobending, on the other hand, involves larger bends, which can result in similar light losses as the angle of incidence of light hitting the core may become too steep, causing it to refract out of the core instead of reflecting properly.

This overall reduction in the efficiency of light transmission directly correlates to decreased signal quality. The integrity of the light signal, including its strength and clarity, is compromised, which can result in errors in data communication or reduced speeds. Hence, it is critical to adhere to the specified minimum bend radius during installation and handling of fiber optic cables to maintain optimal signal quality.