Core

The first and most important layer is the core. The core is made up of thousands of glass tubes bundled together and supported by a central strength element.

Cladding

The second layer of a fiber optic cable is the protective sheath called cladding. This increases the core’s total internal reflection to prevent data loss.

Plastic Coating

Optical fiber coatings/buffers play an important role in protecting the fiber from its intended environment. 

Cable Jacket

The layers are wrapped around the fiber optic cable to reinforce the core and cladding for the third layer.