Which component primarily protects fiber optic cables from physical damage?

The cable jacket is the component that primarily protects fiber optic cables from physical damage. It serves as the outer layer of the fiber optic cable, providing a first line of defense against environmental factors, chemical exposure, and physical impacts. Made from durable materials like polyethylene or PVC, the jacket is designed to withstand abrasion, moisture, and other potential threats that could compromise the integrity of the fibers contained within it.

In addition to its protective role, the cable jacket also helps to secure the fibers and maintain proper organization within the cable structure, ensuring that the fibers are not easily disturbed or damaged. By shielding the cable from external forces, the jacket plays a crucial role in maintaining the performance and longevity of the fiber optic system.

While other components like cable connectors, fiber cores, and splice enclosures have their own important functions within a fiber optic system, such as facilitating signal transmission or protecting spliced fibers, they do not provide the same level of physical protection to the entire cable assembly as the cable jacket does.