What is the effect of excessive bending of fiber optic cables?

Excessive bending of fiber optic cables can lead to an increased risk of signal loss and damage. Fiber optic cables are designed with certain bend radii in mind; bending them beyond these specifications can cause the light traveling through the fiber to leak out or scatter, resulting in diminished signal quality and potentially leading to a complete loss of connectivity. Additionally, sharp bends can physically damage the fiber strands, leading to permanent impairment of the cable's performance.

In contrast, options related to improved signal quality, enhanced data transmission speeds, and decreased need for maintenance are not applicable in the context of excessive bending. Instead, these factors further emphasize the importance of handling and installing fiber optic cables without subjecting them to undue stress or strain. Hence, understanding the impact of bending is crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of fiber optic communications.