1 Core: The core of an optical conductor is the inner part of an optical fiber cable. Within the core there is transmitted the light, so its transmission properties are the main quality criteria.
2 Cladding: Without the cladding a light transmission wouldn’t be possible. The cladding is responsible for keeping the light inside the conductor and is reflected in an oriented way. With a lower refraction index the claddings is the counterpart of the core and enables the TIR principle to work (total internal reflection). The cladding makes the light stay in the core.
3 Buffer: The buffer is a mechanical protection for the cladding and in particular for the core of the optical fiber cable. The buffer has no functionality in terms of the light transmission.
4 Jacket: The jacket is the contact of the fiber cable to its environment. In accordance the jacket needs to be adapted to the cables mechanical expectations and environmental conditions. In general there is distinguished in between static and dynamic use as well as indoor and outdoor applications.