Fiber optic cables are ideal when you are building a network that requires heavy bandwidth and high speeds. Copper cables are still in play and they also have a vital role in networking as well. It is important to understand the difference between these two types of cables. In copper cables, copper carries electrical pulses along its metal strand. In fiber optics, the glass strand carries the light pulses. The data transfer rate of fiber optics is very high as compared to copper cables.
Faster Transmission with Fiber Optic
Bandwidth is the standard way to measure data transmission rates. It can be measured in gigabit of data per second (Gbps) and even terabit of per second (Tbps). Copper cables come with the transmission of 40 Gbps. Fiber optics has the transmission nearly as of light speed. It is a theoretical speed but still fiber cables can transmit hundreds of terabits per second.
Cover Greater Distances with Fiber Optic Cables
Both fiber optic cables and copper cables face attenuation over distance. However, Fiber optics can transmit data to longer distances. there is a huge difference between these two. Copper cables have 100 meters limit, according to standard rules. Longer distances are possible but many other factors can weak signals. On the other hand, fiber cables can transmit up to 24 miles.
Invulnerable to EMI
Copper cables have the nature to emit electrical interferences when they are transmitting signals. When signals from two passing by cables mix with each other, the phenomenon is known as the crosstalk. This can compromise data integrity and security risk sometimes. In fiber optics, light does not emit any kind of interference. That is why these cables are much safer, ultimately leading towards a stronger ROI.
Fiber Optic Cables are Good for Cable Management
Fiber optics are extremely narrow. These cables are measured in microns. The most common fiber optic has the diameter as human hair. Yet these cables transmit incredible amounts of data at much higher speed as compared to copper cables. When you are using fiber optic, it takes much less space than category 6 copper cable. These cables are flexible as well. All these features make them easier to manage and give your data center a neat look. You can also save a lot of space by using fiber optic.
Future-proof Cables
Every year, our data consumption increases and so does the bandwidth requirements. If you invest in modern fiber optics, you will be investing in your future. A solid structure of fiber optic cables will last for years. The average life span of copper cables is a little over five years. There is also a possibility that higher-end connectivity will become even more affordable in the future.
