Optical fiber is a thin strand of glass that transmits light using the process of total internal reflection. There are two main types: single-mode fiber which uses lasers and multi-mode which uses LEDs. Optical fibers are made by drawing glass into a thin strand and adding protective coatings. They offer advantages like flexibility, light weight, and ability to transmit data over long distances at low cost. Optical fibers are now commonly used for telecommunications, including telephone networks, cable TV, and internet services.