Fiber optic cabling is quickly replacing copper cabling as the technology of the future.
Fiber optic cabling is one of the most popular cabling systems for both new cabling systems as well as upgrades, including backbone, horizontal, and desktop applications. There’s a reason that fiber so often trumps copper when it comes to cabling.
Greater Bandwidth
Fiber has a standardized bandwidth of up to 10GbE, giving it a higher bandwidth than copper. Increased bandwidth translates to more information carried with higher fidelity.
Speed and Distance
Since the signal in fiber optic cable is made of light, very little information is lost during transmission compared to copper cabling. Fiber optic cabling can move data at higher speeds and greater distances. In contrast, copper cabling without a booster has a distance limitation of 328 feet. Fiber cabling distances range from 984.2 feet for 10GbE multimode to 24.8 miles for single-mode cable!
Security
Fiber cabling is much safer than copper because you know immediately if your cable is tapped. Because fiber optic cabling doesn’t radiate signals, that means it is harder to tap. If someone does tap your cable, you’ll know immediately, since the cable leaks light and causes the whole system to fail. This means that security is easy to monitor. Plus, with fiber cabling, all of your electronics and hardware stay in one central location, rather than needing wiring closets throughout the building like you would with a copper system.
Reliability
Since the core of fiber is glass, which is an insulator, fiber cabling is protected from electrical surges. You also don’t have to worry about disruptions from electrometric interference and radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI), crosstalk, impedance problems, and more. Plus, fiber cabling is less susceptible to fluctuations in temperature and can be submerged in water. None of these reliable qualities can be found in copper cabling.
Design
To get higher speeds with copper cabling, you need cables that are larger in diameter and heavier in weight. Fiber is refreshingly lightweight, and increasing your speed won’t result in a huge increase in the weight of the cable. Plus, fiber is more durable and long-lasting than copper.
Cost
As technology continues to progress, the cost of fiber optic cabling continues to decrease. Fiber may be more expensive than copper when first installed, but it will save you a lot of money, not to mention stress, in the future.
Get in Touch with FiberPlus!
FiberPlus has been providing data communication services for a number of different markets through fiber optics since 1992. What began as a cable installation company for Local Area Networks has grown into a top telecommunications business that can provide the Richmond, VA, Baltimore, MD, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia areas with a number of different services. These services now include:
- Structured Cabling
- Electronic Security Systems
- Distributed Antenna Systems
- Audio/Visual Services
- 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.
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