What is the use of a "fiber optic splitter"?

A fiber optic splitter is a crucial component in optical fiber networks, primarily utilized to divide a single optical signal into multiple outputs. This functionality is vital for scenarios where one signal source needs to be distributed to multiple destinations, such as in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) applications or in telecommunications networks.

By taking a single input from one optical fiber and splitting it into several output fibers, the splitter ensures that multiple users or devices can access the same signal without the need for separate signal sources for each endpoint. This capability helps in efficiently managing bandwidth and reducing infrastructure costs.

In contrast, the other choices describe functions that are not characteristic of a fiber optic splitter. Amplifying the signal before transmission, for instance, pertains to optical amplifiers, which boost signal strength rather than splitting it. Similarly, the conversion of optical signals into electrical signals is the role of optical-to-electrical converters or transceivers, not fiber optic splitters. Lastly, connecting multiple fibers into a single output outlines a different function, typically performed by multiplexers, rather than dividing an existing signal.