When it comes to networking, there are two best options you can choose from. You can either buy fiber optic cable or an ethernet cable. The former, fiber optic cable is faster compared to ethernet cables. Its data transmission speeds are unmatched and almost all modern local area networks used them to access the internet. However, the ethernet cables, also known as copper cables, are more reliable and also have decent data transmission speeds.
These similarities and differences confuse a lot of consumers and in this article, we will solve this riddle once and for all. If you are also confused about whether to choose Bulk Fiber Optic Cable or bulk copper cable, you are welcome to get on board as we will look into everything that you need to know that makes bulk fiber optic cable better as compared to its ethernet counterpart. Let’s dive in.
What is a Fiber Optic Cable?
As the name implies, these cables have a tiny strand of glass with a diameter less than that of human hair. Signals are converted into light in devices, routers, switches, etc which are then transmitted across the cable at literally the speed of light. And that is where they get their unmatched speed from. Because they transmit signals in the form of light, their transmission speed remains unaffected at long distances.
These cables come in multiple shapes and sizes. For instance, there are single-mode fiber cables that transmit only one beam of light, and there are also multi-mode cables that can transmit multiple beams of light simultaneously.
When it comes to their applications, these cables are ideal for all sorts of networking applications. Whether you need them for online video streaming, online gaming, or regular office work, these cables will never lag. All you need to have is a reliable internet broadband package.
Are Fiber Optic Cables Better than Copper Cables?
Well, you might be wondering if fiber optic cables are better than conventional ethernet cables? The answer is yes, fiber optic cables are better than copper cables or Ethernet Network Cables because of their higher bandwidth capacity and faster speeds.
In the next parts, we will look into what makes fiber optic cables better than copper cables in detail.
Infinite Bandwidth Capacity (Theoretically)
Fiber Optic Cables have theoretically an infinite bandwidth capacity due to the nature of their construction. However, in practical application, it is not infinite but still far greater than what a copper cable can support. For instance, the OM1 Multimode 62.5/125 SC to SC Duplex Fiber Optic Cable has a bandwidth capacity of (850nm /1300nm) and the OS2 Singlemode 9/125 LC to SC Fiber Optic Cable supports a bandwidth capacity of up to 1310nm/1550nm.
Faster Data Transmission
Because of the faster bandwidth capacity, fiber cables can transmit data at faster speeds. However, it will still be dependent on your internet broadband package. But if you compare it with that of an ethernet cable over the same broadband package, it will triumph over the bulk copper cable very easily.
Better at Long-Distance Transmission
Also due to the design of the fiber, its data transmission speed is not affected by long-distance transmission. And that is why these cables are also used to connect countries via the internet. Below the surface of the oceans, the cables are laid which connect different countries with the internet.
Future-proof Network
The world is changing and so are the technologies that we use on a daily basis. And it is inevitable that new technologies will emerge that will not only change the way we do networking but also the speed at which we do it.
You can future-proof your local area network by using bulk fiber optic cables. It is most likely that the future technologies will be built around them because they are currently state-of-the-art networking cables.
Additionally, you will also be prepared whenever you need a faster internet connection in the future, which we all do.
Reliability
With faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and future-proofing, bulk fiber optic cables also offer reliability. The signal transmission is not only fast but it is also reliable and does not suffer lag and interruptions. Moreover, it offers far less attenuation as compared to bulk copper cables.
