What components make up a basic fiber optic system?

A basic fiber optic system consists of three essential components: a transmitter, a fiber medium, and a receiver. The transmitter is responsible for converting electrical signals into optical signals, typically using a light source like a laser or LED. The optical signals are then transmitted through the fiber medium, which is the optical fiber itself, allowing the light to travel long distances with minimal loss. Finally, the receiver converts the optical signals back into electrical signals so that the information can be processed.

Only having a transmitter and receiver, without the fiber medium, would not constitute a fiber optic system, as there would be no medium to conduct the light signals. Similarly, having only the fiber medium and the receiver would also be incomplete, as there would be no signal to receive without the transmitter. While a repeater can extend the range of a fiber optic system, it is not a basic component; it is used in more complex networks where additional signal strength is required over longer distances. Thus, the correct formulation includes all three basic components: transmitter, fiber medium, and receiver.