Reasons Why Fibre Cable Is Better Than Copper Cable!

 

When it comes to networking communications cables, Fibre Optic and Copper are pretty much the only possibilities. Today, we'll look at what sets them apart. Let's start with the key features of the old dependable copper phone lines. 

Copper is a conductive metal. This is what makes it ideal for delivering electricity to your home. By modulating a waveform at one end and demodulating it at the other, copper wires use electron mobility to transport signals. Also, turning the waveform's patterns into an analogue or digital signal. On the other hand, a fibre-optic cable is made up of optical fibres, which are very thin strands of glass or plastic that can have as few as two or as many as several hundreds. These optical fibre cables carry information in the form of data between two sites using optical or light-based technologies.

Let's look at the facts to learn more about the advantages of fibre optic cables over copper cables: 

1. Speed: Fibre optical cables are clearly superior to copper in this regard. Fibre optic cables employ light pulses and are made of small strands of glass around the size of a human hair. As a result, they can transport large amounts of data at speeds just slightly slower than the speed of light—up to 60 terabits per second. Copper cables can only transmit data at roughly 10 gigabits per second due to the speed at which electrons travel. Fibre optic connections are ideal if you need to transport a large amount of data in a short length of time. 

2. Reach: If you need to deliver a signal over a longer distance, fibre optic cables are the preferable option. Copper connections have a signal range of roughly 100 metres, whereas single mode fibre optic cables may transmit data up to 25 miles. Fibre optic cable also transmits data with less attenuation or signal loss than copper, which loses over 90% over the same distance. 

3. Reliability: Copper cables are still subject to interference and electrical surges since they are electrical conductors. Fibre does not suffer from electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can disrupt data transmission, because it uses a method known as complete internal reflection to convey light signals instead of electricity. Fibre is also resistant to temperature changes, extreme weather, and moisture, all of which can cause copper cable to lose connectivity. Furthermore, unlike old or damaged copper wires, fibre does not pose a fire concern. It is safe to run fibre cable adjacent to industrial equipment. Fibre is also more resistant to temperature changes than copper and may be submerged in water.

4. Durability: Copper wire is delicate when compared to fibre optic cables, as it can only endure a pulling force of roughly 25 pounds. Despite being significantly lighter, fibre can resist up to 200 pounds of pressure, making it a better choice for building a local area network (LAN). Copper wires corrode as well, and after as little as five years, they will need to be replaced. As they get older, their performance deteriorates to the point where they lose all signal. Fibre optic cables, on the other hand, are more durable and have fewer parts, lasting up to 50 years. The lifetime of a cable should be considered when selecting one. 

5. Security: Fibre optic cables contain no electrical impulses and are nearly impossible to tap into, making your data significantly more secure. Power transmission monitoring can immediately determine if a cable has been hacked or destroyed. Copper connections, on the other hand, can still be tapped, affecting your internet speed or possibly causing your network to be destroyed.

6. Cost: True, copper cable appears to be the most cost-effective alternative because it is significantly less expensive than fibre optic connection. Fibre optic cable, however, is a better economical solution in the long term when hidden costs, maintenance, interference, tampering risk, and replacement cost are taken into account. 

7. New technology: Fibre optic cable is the natural choice for companies that deliver telecommunications and internet to network devices that require more bandwidth, higher speeds, and more dependable internet access, such as security cameras, digital signage, and VoIP phone systems. 

8. Design: Copper cable is heavier, thicker, and less durable than fibre. Fibre optic cable has pulling characteristics that are up to ten times greater than copper cable, contrary to popular belief. It is easy to handle because of its tiny size, and it takes up less room in cabling ducts. 

These were some common differences between copper cables and fibre cables. If you’re interested in purchasing any kind of industrial cables, check out Cabcon India at www.cabconindia.com!