Fiber Optic vs Copper- Which cabling is better?

Is newer always better? In the case against Copper transmission medium, against fiber optics: most users feel that this may be the case. However, we take a closer look at both these cable options.

If you are new to the various types of transmission medium used in data transfer, then you have probably heard of fiber optic cables or even copper cables. These function and perfume quite differently. On this comparison review we will analyze important aspects of each cable option. Critically looking their pros and their cons before we conclude on the better option. Read on for more insight on Fiber Optic vs. Copper cable options.

What are the differences between Fiber Optic vs. Copper?

	Fiber Optic (Winner)	Copper
Bandwidth	60Tbps and more	10Gbps
Noise	Immune to EMI	Susceptible to surges,  EM-RFI interferences etc
Availability	Limited coverage	Extensive coverage
Security	Safe	Easy to tap
	View here	View here

 

Fiber Optic vs Copper – What are the main differences between them?

Operating principle

The basic principle with which fiber optic cables transmit data packets is quite different form copper cables. On the former, data is transmitted in the form of light (photons) beams over glass fibers.

This is unlike copper that relies on electrons for data transfer. This affects many other aspects of either cabling connection option.

Speed

One of the main aspects of performance affected by the nature of transmission medium is the speed. Fiber optic technology is capable of the fastest internet connections available today.

The photons used travel at the speed of slight which compared to copper transmission, allow for a faster connection. In fact, considering fiber optics is the connection of the future: according to many experts, users are yet to access the full potential of the speeds at which said technology can perform.

Cost

We all want faster internet connections without lagging or buffering: however, costs of connection often dictate otherwise. For instance, telephone lines which enable the very popular DSL connectivity are already laid down and accessible to 90% of the nation. With this, installation becomes more convenient, simpler and cost effective. Fiber optic cables and infrastructure, unfortunately is not are widely available. For this reason, users will need to cater invest in the infrastructure to allow said connections. Luckily, the cost of installment of said technology continues to become more accessible as more users connect to and instigate the spread of fiber optic infrastructure.

Sustainability and durability

As more users demand faster and more accessible internet access options, experts must begin to bring to question the sustainability of current connections for future use. Obviously, fiber optics technology has secured a place as a reliable connection with the potential to reach even greater connection speeds. Internet connection relayed over copper lines can only evolve so much.

Performance

Apart from speed, other elements that dictate cabling performance include transmission rates, range coverage, and signal quality. In all these fields, copper does a pretty good job to relay data packets as needed. Various contingencies are put in place to minimize interference and uphold signal quality.

This is not the case for fiber optics technology. Off the bat, this transmission medium is enabled with high speed data transfer capabilities in addition to better signal processing and transfer. This system is not as susceptible to interference compared to copper systems.

Security

The nature of copper cable transmission leads to signal radiation. For this reasons, this types of cabling are easy to tap. This weakness makes the whole system prone to security issues and systemic failures. It isn’t uncommon for this medium to suffer entire system collapse over small damages. Fiber is less susceptible to taping and allows for easy monitoring and detection of breakages or damage along the medium.

Fiber Optic vs Copper – A comparison review

Fiber Optic – Overview and key features

Fiber optic technology is founded on a pretty basic principle: data is transmitted in the form of light on glass fibers over long distances. It is one of the most popular ways today to transmit data over long distances at unbeatable speeds. Take a look at the features and functionalities of fiber optic internet cabling.

Features

Fiber optic technology So far, this is the most advanced medium transmission that offers high speed internet connection over long distances. The process and the material involved in fiber optics technology is one that is quite unique. Using glass fibers a tenth the thickness of one hair strand, this technology will effectively relay light beams

Like we mentioned, the primary transmission material on optic tech is glass. Ideally, light will travel down the cable bouncing of the wall of the cable. Total internal reflection phenomenon is the mode with which light is transmitted through these fibers. Fiber optic technology is the fastest available internet connection option today. With the potential to reach unmatched transfer speeds, many experts consider this the future for modern connection requirements.

Internet connection over this tech relies on the ability to transmit laser pulses or LED pulses carrying binary data. So how then will the devices connect to and utilize this data? Well, the transmission medium terminates with and ONT(Optical Network Terminal) that effectively converts this light into electric signal. Networking devices like Ethernet cables among others will pick up these frequencies and effectively connect you to the internet.

Moreover, they are clad with a plastic or glass material. This cladding in collaboration with the glass core: the inner most part of the fiber, work together to achieve total internal reflection phenomenon discussed above. The bits making up the binary code carry organized messages in 8 part bytes. The cables allow for efficient connection over long distances. This allows access to high speed internet even from faraway places. Equipped to travel up to 60 miles without degradation, this tech is truly remarkable.

Various contingencies like optical amplifiers are set in place to maintain signal quality over this medium. For example devices that boost the signal throughout the stretch of the transmission media. This ensures no data is lost during the transmission process.

TIP: The last mile concept in fiber optic internet is an important element of this connection. This is the point at which light impulses are converted into electric impulses which network devices can pick up for example electrical Ethernet.

In summary

Fiber optics technology operated over optic cabling is evidently quite the stunner. This is an efficient connection that offers high speed connection which has far surpassed other types of internet connection option.  The cables are designed to function effectively even over long distances.

Advantages

• High speed connectivity
• Allows for stable connection over long distances
• Advanced cabling
• Best type of connection for a modern and still progressing society

Disadvantages

• Not available in all remote areas
• Can get expensive to install

Copper – Overview and Key Features

Copper is one of the longest standing mediums of data transmission: even today. There are many benefits that come with copper data transmission lines over other mediums. Here are some of the features on copper transmission cables that make them so capable. Take a look.

Features

Obviously, the metal material within the transmission cables is copper. Using electric signals, data is transmitted over these cables over to the other side.  In order to connect successfully using these cables, users must have a detector at their end to receive the signal over these wires and decode it to accessible formats. Many service providers relay signals on the use of copper wires as it is affordable and simple to install.

Performance-wise, copper cabling’s continued use in networking and connectivity speaks for itself.  This material is used as a conducting core for different forms of connections. The most popular type of copper cable used by ISP over long distances is the coaxial cable. With this, various forms of connection are made possible, including DSL and cable internet types.

Unfortunately, copper cables have one major Achilles heel. They are very susceptible to signal degradation via interferences. Thus users are often concerned with the susceptibility of copper connections to interference. Said interference is often a result of EMI, RFI or crosstalk. For anyone new to these terms, electromagnetic Interference and Radio Frequency interference are influential in the distortion or corruption being carried over the cable. Cross talk is the result of interference between adjacent wires within the cable.

Luckily, there are different types of copper cables that help with interference issues and effectively counteract some of the negative influences above. These types include the following: Coaxial cable, Shielded Twisted-Pair (STP), and Unshielded Twisted-Pair (UTP).

In summary

Copper cables may be old tech but can still hold their own in terms of internet access provision. These cables get the job done without breaking the bank for many clients.

Advantages

• Widely available
• Transfers data in electrical pulses
• Comes in different cable types to deal with interference issues

Disadvantages

• System is heavily susceptible to interference

Verdict: So which one is better, Fiber Optic vs. Copper?

It is quite evident that fiber cabling has multiple advantages over the copper alternative.  While it may cost more to set up, fiber optics technology allows performance and reliability previously unavailable to users. For this reason, it is a far much better option for anyone caught between fiber optic and copper cabling options.