What does the bend radius specification ensure during the installation of fiber optic cables?

The bend radius specification is crucial in the installation of fiber optic cables because it ensures that the cable is not bent beyond its minimum radius, which can lead to increased risk of signal degradation. When a fiber optic cable is bent too tightly, the light traveling through the fiber can become distorted, leading to loss of signal strength and increased attenuation. Ensuring that the bend radius is adhered to during installation allows for optimal performance of the fiber optics, maintaining the integrity of the light signals and minimizing the chance of data loss or corruption. This is particularly important in environments where high-speed data transmission is necessary, as it helps to maintain the overall quality and reliability of the communication system.