What kinds of benefits does fiber optic cabling offer over copper cables?
As more businesses and government buildings opt for fiber optic cables, rather than traditional copper ones during a network setup, there have been a lot of questions end-users have about why fiber is gaining so much traction. Fiber optic cabling has a number of major benefits over copper that have caused many communications companies to begin switching away from copper cables. For clarity, we know these copper cables as either Cat 5 or Cat 6 networking cables. These are just a few of the reasons fiber optic cables offer advantages over traditional copper cabling.
Better Durability
This may seem counterintuitive since fiber cables are made out of glass but believe it or not, fiber is far more durable than copper. This is because copper cables tend to wear out over a quicker period than fiber and require costly replacement. It’s no wonder, then, that so many companies have begun replacing their copper cables with fiber optic cables once they start to wear out. While fiber cabling may have a bigger upfront cost, not having to worry about as much maintenance or future replacements makes it a more cost-effective solution. A good example of this is our fiber providers giving a 20 year warranty on the product – hard to do with copper.
Quicker Data Transmission
Both of these types of cables are used to transmit data, but it’s undeniably true that fiber optic cables do this much faster. Let’s look at some numbers: a typical area network that has copper lines installed can carry around 3,000 telephone calls at once. A comparable system that uses fiber optics can carry more than 31,000, according to ABC Science. This is because copper wires simply transmit an electrical current, but fiber sends pulses of light that can travel much quicker than electrical currents can.
Unsusceptible to Electromagnetic Interference
Poorly installed and unshielded copper cables can cause electromagnetic interference to form that doesn’t just cause issues on the network in question, but neighboring networks as well. Fiber optics don’t cause this effect. This is especially important over longer distances—the longer your copper cabling, the more susceptible to noise and quality degrade. Fiber can suffer from the same issues but it’s far less likely and pervasive.
Get in Touch with FiberPlus
FiberPlus has been providing data communication solutions for over 25 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 (inside and outside plant)
- Electronic Security Systems (Access Control & CCTV Solutions)
- Distributed Antenna Systems
- Public Safety DAS
- 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, Richmond, VA, and Columbus, OH. In Pennsylvania, please call Pennsylvania Networks, Inc. at 814-259-3999.
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