Fiber Optic vs. Copper Network Cable
Fiber Optic network cable runs are more effective than Copper based network runs for many reasons. They have a longer distance limitation, which means a longer distance between repeaters. Fiber Optic is made of glass or plastic, which does not conduct electricity, which means that it does not present an electrocution hazard, does not radiate RFI/EMI (Radio Frequency Interference/Electro Magnetic Interference), and does not accept RFI/EMI. Also, since it is made of very thin strands of glass or plastic, it is easier to install, as it weighs less.
Characteristic |
Copper |
Multi-Mode
Fiber |
Single-Mode
Fiber |
|
Bandwidth (100 Meters) | 100 MHz | 1 GHz | >100 GHz | How much Bandwidth in 100 Meters |
Transmission Distance
Between Repeaters | 100 Meters | 2000 Meters | 40,000 Meters | Maximum Distance of cable between endpoints |
FCC RFI Concerns | Yes | No | Will the cable radiate Radio Frequency Interference |
EMI Suseptibility | Yes | No | Will the cable absorb ElectroMagnetic Interference |
CrossTalk | Yes | No | Will the cable get interference from cable paralell to itself |
Ground Loop Potential | Yes | No | Will the cable conduct the voltage difference between two buildings grounding systems |
Weight | Heavy | Light | Is the cable heavy |
Size | Large | Small | Is the cable big in diameter |
Cost | Cheap | Moderate to Expensive | Expensive | Is cabling itself expensive |
Flexiblity | Very Flexible | Not Very Flexible | How much flexing and wear can cable take before breaking |
Tooling | Cheap, Generic Tools | Expensive, Manufacturer Specific Tools | Are Tools Expensive or Cheap, Generic or Manufacturer Specific |
Connectors | Cheap and Durable | Expensive and Fragile | Are the Connectors durable or fragile, and are they cheap or expensive |
