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conductor definition - telecom
  1. A substance that allows electricity, light, heat, sound, or other forms of energy to pass through. In the context of telecommunications transmission systems, a conductor allows electric current or photonic energy to pass through.
  2. In fiber optics transmission systems, various highly specialized types of glass or plastic are used to conduct photonic energy. As dielectrics, glass and plastic are not conductors of electric current; therefore, optical fibers are immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI). See also EMI.
  3. In electric circuits, such as twisted pair and coaxial cable systems, a conductor is a material that readily permits the flow of electrons through itself in response to an electric field. Metals are excellent electrical conductors because of the high concentration of free electrons.Telecommunications networks most commonly use copper in electrified circuits, although copper-covered steel, copper alloy, nickel- or goldplated copper, and even aluminum metallic conductor are used. Gold, silver, and platinum are sometimes used in short circuits internal to various devices such as switches. CATV networks make use of aluminum and copper-clad aluminum in coaxial cable trunks. See also dielectric and insulator.

Webster's New World Telecom Dictionary Copyright © 2008 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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