What component surrounds the core of the glass fiber to facilitate reflection?

The component that surrounds the core of the glass fiber to facilitate reflection is the cladding. Cladding is a layer of material that has a lower refractive index than the core. This difference in refractive index is crucial because it enables total internal reflection, which is the principle that allows light signals to travel through the fiber without significant loss. When light travels from the core (which has a higher refractive index) to the cladding, it reflects back into the core instead of passing through, thus maintaining the integrity of the signal over long distances.

The other options, while related to fiber optics, serve different purposes. The coating is primarily for protection against environmental factors and physical damage. The sheath typically refers to an outer protective layer that encompasses the entire fiber cable, and a buffer is used to provide mechanical protection to the fiber and maintain separation between the fiber core and the surrounding layers. However, it is the cladding that is specifically designed to enhance the optical performance of the fiber by ensuring that the light remains contained within the core.