In most cases, a fiber optic cable will have five primary components: the core, which is responsible for transporting the light signals; the cladding, which surrounds the core with a lower refractive index and contains the light; the coating, which serves to protect the core;. In most cases, a fiber optic cable will have five primary components: the core, which is responsible for transporting the light signals; the cladding, which surrounds the core with a lower refractive index and contains the light; the coating, which serves to protect the core;. This guide breaks down the five core components of a fiber optic cable — from the specification package to the actual installation considerations. You will also learn how different aspects of the product can affect budget and design. ■ The Five Key Parts of a Fiber Optic Cable A fiber optic cable. The fundamental components of a fibre optic system are shown in Figure 1. This system can be used for either analogue or digital transmissions, with a transmitter which converts electrical signals into optical signals. The optical signals are launched through a joint into an optical fibre, usually. Optical fiber s are made from either glass or plastic., PIN diode or avalanche photodiode). As experts in fiber optics, we've seen firsthand.