Fiber optics could potentially change how we approach AV technology.
For decades, we have relied on copper cables to do everything from our internet to many kinds of AV technology. Coax, S-video, and HDMI cables have all been standards are one point or another and take advantage of copper cables carrying the electrons and signals of these devices—and their benefit is just how easy they are. Plug them in and they’re ready to go, not to mention you can’t go much cheaper than copper. Now, though, we’re looking at how fiber optics might be able to shake up our typical means of AV signal distribution and what that could mean in the future.
Performance and Speed
We’re seeing big jumps in data rates (think bandwidth) but that doesn’t mean copper cables are physically able to transmit all of that data. With copper cabling, there’s a limit on distance you can go before you begin to see a huge number of errors in the signal. If we take a baseline of 100 feet, fiber optics are capable of transmitting more than 100 times what copper cabling can do, allowing us to keep up with ever-increasing data rates.
Keeping Up Appearances
Compared to copper, fiber optic cables are half the width and a fraction of the weight of even high-end copper cables. Some kinds of fiber can be up to 10 percent the size of copper cables and the jacket can even be translucent, making for nearly invisible fiber—a big benefit to those of us who have a keen eye for how we set up our AV equipment.
Security
Simply put: fiber optics are more secure than traditional copper cables. While most of the focus on adapting fiber optics has been placed on performance, there’s no denying that security is a big concern for many of us in the digital age.
Protected from EMI
Electromagnetic interference can come as a result of other electronic systems disrupting one another or even other channels in the same cable. This makes taking advantage of copper over long distances difficult, but light waves over fiber are immune to this kind of interference, so fiber becomes far more secure, even at longer distances and improved bandwidth. It’s no wonder why fiber optic installations have become more and more prevalent.
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 (Fiberoptic, Copper and Coax for inside and outside plant)
- Electronic Security Systems (Access Control & CCTV Solutions)
- Wireless Access Point installations
- 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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