Fiber Optic Cables vs. Copper Cables: Which to Choose
For over a hundred years, copper wire cables have been used to facilitate the communication of data between networks. However, many networks have begun to replace copper cables with fiber optic cabling. Fiber optic cabling is composed of a bundle of glass optical fibers through which data can be transmitted at the speed of light. While optical fibers are rapidly replacing copper cables in many industries, it doesn’t mean that they are the best choice for all applications. This comparison of fiber optic cables vs. copper cables will help you decide which to choose.
Bandwidth
Perhaps the biggest advantage of fiber optic cables over copper wire cabling is the substantially larger bandwidth that it provides. Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate of data transfer across a network.
If the bandwidth of your network is too low, then traffic can become congested and data transmission speeds will be greatly reduced, resulting in a slow, inefficient network. As such, you should determine your network’s bandwidth requirements before choosing between fiber optic cables and copper cables. If your network needs to transmit large amounts of data at a time, then it is more advantageous to invest in fiber optic cables.
Application
Fiber optic cabling poses numerous benefits over copper cables, such as higher transmission speeds, eliminated electromagnetic interference, greater bandwidth, and greatly increased data transmission distance. Such benefits make fiber optic cabling an ideal option for applications such as connecting IP-based devices, facilitating communication between buildings, and data transmission in industrial industries.
However, there are several applications where such benefits may not be necessary or make an effective difference in the network’s operation. In such cases, choosing less expensive copper cabling may make the most sense. Examples of applications where copper cabling could be the best option include operating smaller networks, facilitating lower priority traffic, and for connecting smaller-need appliances such as desktops.
Cost considerations
Cost is an undeniable driving factor that businesses must consider when deciding between fiber optic cables and copper cabling. Fiber optic cables are more expensive than their copper counterparts, which makes it a more economical option for smaller networking needs. Plus, because many companies already use copper wire cabling, continuing to implement copper wire cabling into their network is far less expensive than replacing all of their cables with fiber optic ones.
That being said, if you have a larger network that has significant bandwidth needs, investing in fiber optic cabling that will last for decades rather than a just few years could end up being the most cost-effective option long-term despite the large initial investment.
