Learn why IT pros prefer fiber optic cables to copper cables.
If your business requires a robust network that can cover long distances, high speeds, and heavy bandwidth connections, fiber optic cables are the indisputable best choice. To discover why IT professionals tasked with installing networks prefer fiber to copper, it’s important to understand the differences between the two options. Fiber optic cables can provide the following crucial services to new or upgraded networks in today’s high-speed world.
Fiber Optic Transmission is Faster
The standard way to measure data transmission rates is by bandwidth. While copper-based transmissions often max out at 40 Gbps (gigabits of data per second), fiber optics can carry data at close to the speed of light!
Fiber Optic Transmission Can Cover Great Distances
Attenuation is the weakening of a waveform signal over a distance. While both copper and fiber-based signaling can suffer from attenuation, fiber optic cables can transmit data over much longer distances while delivering a reliable signal. Copper cables are often limited in length, and while longer distances are theoretically possible, they may introduce numerous other problems.
Fiber Optic Cables Are Impervious to Electromagnetic Interference
The electrical signaling in a copper network connection can generate a field of interference around the cables. Then, when you have multiple cables running near one another, this interference can bleed into nearby cables, which can hinder the desired messaging. This is “crosstalk” and can pose security risks or force expensive retransmissions of the message.
The light transmission in fiber optics does not generate any of this electromagnetic interference, so fiber becomes more secure and requires less retransmission, which saves you costs in the future.
Save Space and Enhance Cable Management
Even though fiber optic strands can transmit incredible amounts of data, they are physically measured in microns or millions of a meter! The most common fiber optic strand is as narrow as a strand of human hair, and even with their protective sheathing, fiber cables are just about one millimeter in width. A standard category six copper cable can be over six times that width, and carry a fraction of the data.
The size of fiber cables frees up the space required for your network’s cables, and their flexibility makes them easier to manage. Additionally, this freed-up space enables better cool air circulation in a data center and makes equipment access easier for technicians.
Fiber Optics Are Future-Proof
Every year the amount of data we consume increases along with bandwidth requirements. Investing in modern fiber optic cabling infrastructure can allow your network to operate at future high speeds without requiring a whole new network installation.
By investing in a fiber-optic network now, you can efficiently prepare your business for future growth.
Get in Touch with FiberPlus
FiberPlus has been providing data communication solutions for 28 years in the Mid Atlantic Region for a number of different markets. What began as a cable installation company for Local Area Networks has grown into a leading provider of innovative technology solutions improving the way our customers communicate and keeping them secure. Our solutions now include:
- Structured Cabling (Fiber Optic, Copper and Coax for inside and outside plant networks)
- Electronic Security Systems (Access Control & CCTV Solutions)
- Wireless Access Point installations
- Public Safety DAS – Emergency Call Stations
- Audio/Video Services (Intercoms and Display Monitors)
- Support Services
- Specialty Systems
- Design/Build Services
FiberPlus promises the communities in which we serve that we will continue to expand and evolve as new technology is introduced within the telecommunications industry.
Have any questions? Interested in one of our services? Call FiberPlus today 800-394-3301, email us at info@fiberplusinc.com, or visit our contact page. Our offices are located in the Washington, DC metro area and Richmond, VA. In Pennsylvania, please call Pennsylvania Networks, Inc. at 814-259-3999.