A fiber optic cable break occurs when the glass core or cladding of an optical fiber is physically severed or damaged, interrupting the light path that carries data. Breaks can result from external factors like excavation accidents (e., a backhoe cutting a 10 km backbone), environmental stressors. Fiber optic technology transmits data as pulses of light through thin strands of glass, forming the foundation of modern global communication. These glass threads are bundled within protective cabling that spans continents and oceans. It's even. Steps to Repair Fiber Optic Cable Use an OTDR to locate the break. Excavate the cable at the break point and use a fiber optic cutter to remove the damaged section.