The core of optical fiber cable is covered with ___.

The core of an optical fiber cable is covered with cladding, which is a crucial component of fiber optic technology. Cladding is designed to have a lower refractive index than the core, which allows light signals to be contained within the core through a phenomenon known as total internal reflection. This structure ensures that light can travel through the fiber over long distances with minimal loss of signal strength.

The cladding also serves to protect the core while providing additional benefits such as maintaining the integrity of the light signal and reducing the impact of external factors that may cause signal degradation. Overall, the function of cladding is essential for the performance and efficiency of optical fiber cables, making it an integral part of their design.