Copper or fiber optic cables? That is the issue.
It is critical to grasp the distinctions between the two to
understand why and where copper cables may still be the best solution.
Both types of cables transmit data but in very different
ways. Copper carries electrical impulses along its metal strands. Fiber optics,
on the other hand, transport light pulses via flexible glass threads. This
difference often means that fiber is the best solution for a new or upgraded
network, and is therefore worth the heaviest initial investment.
5 Reasons IT Professionals Prefer Fiber Optic Cables
1. Optical fiber transmission is faster
The standard way to measure data transmission rates is through
bandwidth. Nowadays, it is measured in gigabits of data per second (Gbps), or
even in terabits per second (Tbps).
Copper-based transmissions currently max out at 40 Gbps,
while fiber optics can carry data at near-lightspeed. The bandwidth limits imposed
on fiber are mostly theoretical but have been tested to be measurable in the
hundreds of terabits per second.
2. Fiber optic transmission can reach farther distances
Both copper and fiber-based signaling suffer from
attenuation or weakening of the waveform signal over distance. Fiber optic
connections, on the other hand, can carry data over far greater distances. The
differences are huge.
Copper cables are limited to lengths of 100 meters (~330
feet), following current standards. Longer distances are theoretically
conceivable but may present other issues, making copper unreliable as a
transmission medium over longer distances. Fiber optic cabling, depending on
signaling and cable type, can transmit over 24 miles!
3. Fiber optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI)
By its very nature, electrical signaling in a copper network
connection generates a stray field around the cables. When multiple cables run
next to each other, this interference can bleed into nearby cables, interfering
with the desired messaging. This is called crosstalk and can force expensive
retransmission of the message, or even pose security risks.
The transmission of light in optical fiber does not generate
any EMI, so the fiber becomes more secure and requires less retransmission,
which ultimately leads to a better return on investment.
4. Save space and improve cable management
Fiber optic strands are extremely narrow. They are, in
reality, measured in microns, or millionths of a meter. The most common fiber
optic strand is around the size of human hair. Nonetheless, as we've seen, they
can carry enormous volumes of data at far faster speeds and over much longer
distances than their less thin copper counterpart. Fiber optic cables require a
protective sheath, which fattens them up to at least two millimeters in width.
A single standard Category 6 copper cable is about four
times that width and carries a fraction of the data. Fiber takes up less space
and is more flexible than other materials (and therefore easier to manage).
There are additional bonuses to this reduction in the size
of the cabling mass: the space freed up allows better circulation of the cooled
air of a data center, easier access to the equipment to which it is connected,
and is generally much more aesthetic.
5. Fiber optics is scalable
The amount of data we consume grows each year, as do the
bandwidth requirements. Investing in modern fiber optic cabling infrastructure
will allow your network to operate at future speeds without replacing cabling.
A solid multi-fiber backbone in a structured environment
will last for years, if not decades, and will likely continue to meet growing
bandwidth demands. The average life of a copper-grade specification, on the
other hand, is just over five years.
Also be aware that technologies and equipment that use
cabling (switches, signaling optics, servers, etc.) generally tend to decrease
in cost over time. It is therefore likely that high-end connectivity will
become even more affordable in the future.
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Bonus: Copper Cable Counterpoint
Fiber cables are not a silver bullet. It is more expensive
than copper and therefore should be used in the appropriate places. It is often
best suited when interconnecting equipment, between buildings and between
floors of a building.
The lower cost of copper makes it better suited to
applications with smaller needs, such as desktop computers and appliances.
Smaller networks, wiring closets, and lower-priority traffic are all good
copper applications. Also consider that there may already be a lot of copper in
place for some of these instances, further reducing the overall cost.
The takeaway for IT professionals deciding between fiber and copper wires
The right support for your network depends on your needs.
However, if you have significant bandwidth requirements, investing in a robust
and scalable infrastructure will pay off.
As we have seen, fiber optic cabling provides a better
return on investment due to its faster speeds, increased durability, cleaner
signaling, and smaller physical footprint. Copper cables have their
applications and will help reduce initial costs. A combined approach, with an
eye on future growth, will suit you perfectly.
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