Which environmental factor can heavily impact the performance of fiber optic cables?

Moisture is a critical environmental factor affecting the performance of fiber optic cables. When moisture infiltrates the cable, it can lead to increased attenuation, which degrades the signal quality as light travels through the fiber. Water can also cause physical damage to the fiber itself or affect the protective materials surrounding the fibers. In situations where cables are exposed to high humidity or water intrusion, the performance of fiber optics can be compromised, resulting in loss of signal strength and reliability.

Temperature also plays an important role in fiber optic performance; however, traditional fiber optic cables are designed to operate over a broad temperature range without significant degradation. While extreme temperature fluctuations can impact the physical properties of the materials used, the immediate and detrimental effects of moisture on cable integrity and performance are often more pronounced.

Pressure and wind are generally less significant in the context of fiber optics. Standard cabling practices consider mechanical stress and environmental conditions, but moisture remains a key factor that can lead to the most critical issues with performance and reliability. Therefore, understanding the effects of moisture is vital for ensuring the long-term functionality of fiber optic systems.