An optical network can be defined as a collection of interconnected nodes that are used for transmitting and receiving messages using light beams instead of electricity. The nodes may consist of computers, routers, switches, hubs, repeaters, amplifiers, etc. These devices convert the digital data into analog signals and vice versa.
The basic principle behind optical networking is the use of light beams rather than electrical currents to transfer data. Light waves travel at a much higher speed compared to electrons. In fact, it takes only about one-millionth of a second for a light beam to reach its destination.
Light travels faster than electrons because they move in opposite directions. Electrons move from negative to positive, whereas photons move from positive to negative.
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