Tag: Copper Cables

What Makes Fiber Optic Cables Better Than Copper Cables?

Fiber Optic cables are the first choice when it comes to making network installations and upgrades. This is because they transmit data really fast. They’re also the most preferred option for enabling good quality internet connection. So what else makes them superior to copper cables? Let’s check out.
1. Thin And Robust
As compared to copper cables, fiber cables are much lighter and thinner in weight. Plus, as fiber doesn’t carry electric current, the data transmission doesn’t get affected due to electromagnetic interference. For every fiber optic cable, the pulling specifications are 10 times more than copper cables. Also, storing and handing them is extremely easy due to its small size. Unlike copper cables, they don’t offer fire hazard which makes them safer to use.
2. Better Speed
There is a core in fiber optic cables that carries light in order to transmit data. It enables the cables to carry signals at a speed which is only 31% slower than the speed of light. And that is what makes them faster than CAT5 or CAT6 copper cables. When you use fiber cables, you will observe that there is much lesser signal degradation as compared to copper cables.
3. Remarkable Bandwidth
Copper cables have a limited bandwidth as compared to fiber optic cables. This is because they were designed keeping the voice transmission in mind. Fiber offers a standardized performance of up to 10 Gbps and has a greater bandwidth. It can also carry more information with better fidelity as compared to copper wires. However, the fiber speed depends on the type of cable used. Most of the CATV and telephone companies are converting to fiber due to the kind of bandwidth it offers.
4. Greater Reliability
Fiber optic cables are immune towards temperature changes, moisture and extreme weather conditions. Its core is made of glass which acts like an insulator letting no electric current flow through it. It also stops any kind of electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference. So there is no need to worry even if you want to run a fiber optic cable next to industrial equipment. Fiber cables are less vulnerable to temperature changes and can also be submerged inside water.
5. Superior Security
With fiber cables, your data is much safer. It is not possible to tap a fiber cable. Even if it is tapped, it is easy to monitor such an activity as the cable leaks light and fails the entire system. Hence, if someone tries to damage the physical security of your fiber system, you will get to know about it in no time. As fiber networks enable you to put all your hardware in a centralized location, you do not need to have wiring closets with equipment all over your building.
6. Covers A Longer Distance
10 Gbps singlemode fiber cables have the capacity to carry signals up to 25 miles. Copper cables, on the other hand, have a typical 328 foot limitation. The distance covered by a fiber optic cable depends on the type of cable, its wavelength and the type of network it is used for.
If you want better and faster connectivity, it is advisable to choose Fiber Optic cables over copper cables. You can buy these cables online and choose the one that fits the best for your needs.

7 Advantages of Fiber Optic Cables Over Copper Cables

by http://www.fiber-mart.com

When you’re planning a new network cable installation or considering upgrades to an existing network, you might want to consider using fiber optic cables.
Network fiber cables have some definite advantages over copper cables.
N35409M-FRONT-M1. Greater Bandwidth
Copper cables were originally designed for voice transmission and have a limited bandwidth. Fiber optic cables provide more bandwidth for carrying more data than copper cables of the same diameter. Within the fiber cable family, singlemode fiber delivers up to twice the throughput of multimode fiber.
2. Faster Speeds
Fiber optic cables have a core that carries light to transmit data. This allows fiber optic cables to carry signals at speeds that are only about 31 percent slower than the speed of light—faster than Cat5 or Cat6 copper cables. There is also less signal degradation with fiber cables.
3. Longer Distances
Fiber optic cables can carry signals much farther than the typical 328-foot limitation for copper cables. For example, some 10 Gbps singlemode fiber cables can carry signals almost 25 miles. The actual distance depends on the type of cable, the wavelength and the network.
4. Better Reliability
Fiber is immune to temperature changes, severe weather and moisture, all of which can hamper the connectivity of copper cable. Plus, fiber does not carry electric current, so it’s not bothered by electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can interrupt data transmission. It also does not present a fire hazard like old or worn copper cables can.
N81801M-FRONT-M5. Thinner and Sturdier
Compared to copper cables, fiber optic cables are thinner and lighter in weight. Fiber can withstand more pull pressure than copper and is less prone to damage and breakage.
6. More Flexibility for the Future
Media converters make it possible to incorporate fiber into existing networks. The converters extend UTP Ethernet connections over fiber optic cable. Modular patch panel solutions integrate equipment with 10 Gb, 40 Gb and 100/120 Gb speeds to meet current needs and provide flexibility for future needs. The panels in these solutions accommodate a variety of cassettes for different types of fiber patch cables.
7. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Although some fiber optic cables may have a higher initial cost than copper, the durability and reliability of fiber can make the total cost of ownership (TCO) lower. And, costs continue to decrease for fiber optic cables and related components as technology advances.