With so much of the world relying on private and public networks, it’s important to get the strongest connections. In order to create the fastest and most secure network possible, you’ll need the best cables. Fiber optic cabling is one of the newest advances in network hardware, and it’s caused a lot of excitement since it was made publicly available. Here are some of the reasons why fiber optic cables are a massive upgrade for your network.
Greater Data Transmission and Bandwidth
Copper wiring can only carry 1.5 megabits per second over a distance of about 1.5 miles before the signal starts diminishing. Fiber optic cabling has a bandwidth rate of over 2.5 gigabits per second over a range of around 62 miles before the signal starts to decrease. Your performance will still vary based on your internet provider, but you will be able to get the highest data transfer rates possible over longer distances with fiber optic cables.
Fiber Optic Cabling is Less Bulky and Lighter
Most people don’t tend to think of how thick or bulky their cable is until they start installing it around furniture and walls. Copper wiring has a bulky, tough and heavy design that is difficult to move around and install. Fiber optic cable is made from either plastic or glass wiring that is extremely thin and light, making it much easier to work with, especially in tight areas.
No Fire Hazard
Copper cables transmit data with electricity, which can create a major fire hazard if the wires become frayed or broken. Fiber optic cables transmit energy with photons. There is no electric core in fiber optic cable. Even if the wires get cut or damaged, there is no risk that the exposed threads will create a fire.
Fiber Optic Cable is More Durable
If there’s one category most people would think copper cable would win, it’s durability. Considering fiber optic cable is thin, light and made from glass and plastic, it’s easy to assume the thick metal alternative would be tougher, but that’s not the case.
Fiber optic cable is more flexible, making it harder to kink and pinch. It can also withstand eight to ten times more tension when pulled than copper wiring due to its ability to stretch.
In addition, fiber optic cable is waterproof. While copper wiring is protected by its casing, it should never be submerged in water due to the electrical current running through it. Since fiber optic cabling works through light, it doesn’t have this weakness.
Fiber optic cables are also unaffected by changes in temperature. It can handle extreme heat and cold much better than copper wiring.
The high durability coupled with its resistance to water and changes in temperature makes fiber optic cabling an extremely popular choice for use outdoors. It even has an added resistance to lightning strikes since there are no metal components within fiber optic cables, allowing it to hold up extremely well in storms.
They’re Highly Secure
Security breaches are a very real threat to any network. Copper cables can be tapped into by hijacking their electromagnetic signals. Fiber optic cables don’t emit any electromagnetic signals.
All of the light energy being used in the transfer of data is contained within the fiber strand. The only way to tap into a network via a fiber optic cable is by cutting the strand.
However, even if someone did cut the wire, they wouldn’t be able to compromise the system for very long. Since fiber optic cabling works through light energy, any cut would cause a leak of light. The network would fail almost instantly and anyone connected to the network would be made aware of the breach.
Immune to Interference
Due to the electromagnetic signals that they emit, copper wiring is very susceptible to electromagnetic interference or EMI. When these wires are placed close to each other or if they’re in an area with industrial equipment, they can experience crosstalk and other performance issues. Fiber optic cables don’t emit electromagnetic signals. Many cables can be placed as close to each other as possible without any interference.
Additionally, fiber optic cables are not affected by any EMI that may be caused by copper wiring and industrial equipment, making their installation even more convenient.
Cost
Copper has been the standard for a very long time, which has allowed most of its components to be cheaper than fiber optics for several years. While the initial costs of fiber optic cables may still be a bit higher than copper wiring, the prices are steadily going down. The knowledge required to install it is also becoming less of a specialized skill set as fiber optics become more common, allowing installation prices to come down as well.
Even if the initial costs for fiber optic cables remain slightly higher, there’s no denying that it’s cheaper in the long run. Fiber optic cables are much more reliable, creating less downtime for the network. They also don’t require as much maintenance or hardware as copper wiring.
Comes in Two Different Modes: Multi-Mode and Single Mode
Both types have their distinct uses are used for various applications. To make use of fiber optics effectively you need to learn about both wire cable types.
Single Mode Cable
This is in the form of a single strand of glass fiber. It carries a higher bandwidth and offers a much higher transmission rate. Single-mode cabling can be used up to 50 times the distance compared to multimode.
Multi-Mode Cable
This cable features a larger diameter and provides high bandwidth over medium distances. It’s however less usable over long-distances so reconsider if you are considering multi-mode for long-distance usage.
Contact TC Tech Systems
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