You will learn how to use Corning's ribbon fiber splitting tool to divide fiber optic ribbons. Optical cables, also known as fiber optic cables, consist of thin strands of glass or plastic fibers surrounded by a protective casing. These fibers transmit data as light signals, which are converted into electrical signals at the receiving end. Also known as optical splitters, fiber splitters, or beam splitters, these devices are integrated waveguides ensuring wide bandwidth and minimal loss in high-frequency applications. Splitters come in various configurations, such as 1x2, 1x4, or 1x8, depending on how many splits are needed. This process is crucial for applications like Passive Optical Networks (PONs), where the goal is to deliver the same signal to various endpoints, such as multiple homes or offices.