Siemens has tested 1mm - 1 GPS Polymer Fiber Cable

Researchers at Siemens have transmitted data over polymer optical fiber cable at around 1Gbps, opening up new possibilities for the technology, including easy-to-build home networks linking PCs and high-definition TVs

"Polymer cable enables do-it-yourself installations," project manager Sebastian Randel said Tuesday. Unlike optical fiber made from glass, "It's flexible and it's easy to cut and insert in connectors."

The cable is around 1 millimeter thick, doesn't break easily, and can be cut with a razor blade, according to Randel.
Although glass optical fiber, which is widely used in long-distance and local loop networks, can carry data at much higher speeds than the polymer version, it is also much thicker once wrapped in a protective shield, and breaks if bent too tightly, according to Randel. Cutting it cleanly to attach connectors or make joints requires a diamond blade, he said.

Demand for easy-to-install, low-cost home networking systems is growing as new high-speed services such as IPTV (Internet Protocol television) hit the market.

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