fiber-optic
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fiber-optic
Consisting of glass fibers or using them. Mostly used in technical contexts for data transmission, often as a label for a fast internet connection.
Die neue Internetverbindung ist Glasfaser und dadurch extrem schnell.
The new internet connection is fiber-optic and therefore extremely fast.
The word is a compound of 'Glas' (glass) and 'Faser' (fiber). So it literally describes a fiber made of glass that is used for data transmission.
Das Glasfaserkabel wurde direkt bis ins Haus verlegt.
The fiber-optic cable was laid directly into the house.
'Glasfaser' (fiber-optic) is often used like an adjective without an ending to describe a property. For example, you say 'ein Glasfaser-Anschluss' (a fiber-optic connection) or predicatively 'der Anschluss ist Glasfaser' (the connection is fiber-optic).
Wir bekommen bald einen Glasfaser-Anschluss.
We're getting a fiber-optic connection soon.
The word is almost always used in a technical context. Common compounds are 'Glasfasernetz' (fiber-optic network), 'Glasfaserkabel' (fiber-optic cable), and 'Glasfaserausbau' (fiber-optic rollout).
Der Glasfaserausbau in unserer Region geht nur langsam voran.
The fiber-optic rollout in our region is progressing only slowly.
visual / optical
'optisch' and 'Glasfaser' can be closely related in technology because fiber optics transmit data using light. 'optisch' generally describes something that has to do with seeing, light, or optical technology. 'Glasfaser', on the other hand, refers to the material or the technology, especially for fast internet. The words can be confused because people speak, for example, of 'optische Kabel' (optical cables), often meaning fiber-optic cables. In everyday speech, people usually say 'Glasfaser' when talking about internet; 'optisch' is more general and sounds more technical.
Unser Haus bekommt im Sommer einen Anschluss für Glasfaser.
Our house is getting a fiber-optic connection in the summer.
Das Signal wird in diesem Gerät optisch übertragen.
The signal is transmitted optically in this device.