Copper Vs. Fiber Optic Cabling - Pros and Cons for 2024

09 Sep.,2024

 

Copper Vs. Fiber Optic Cabling - Pros and Cons for

Advantages and Disadvantages of Copper vs. Fiber

Numerous studies have examined the advantages and disadvantages of copper and fiber data wiring. For example, one study in Mdantsane, South Africa published in the Journal on Innovation and Sustainability found the initial cost of deploying fiber optic networks was the biggest hurdle in choosing fiber cabling. Another study by Logeshwaran in the Journal on Communication Technology indicates some essential considerations in choosing the best network cabling system&#;first, versatility in accommodating data, voice, and video, second, compatibility with active equipment, third, ease of maintenance when updating the configuration, and 4) reliability during the entire service life of the system. In our research of the two cable network systems, most indicate the high cost of fiber as a prohibitive factor for implementation. However, a study by Jim Hayes published in the Electrical Contractor concluded that you should consider the cost of a 'complete network, not just its cabling costs' to determine its cost-effectiveness. When doing so, fiber cabling systems 'are comparable to those of Cat 6 copper cabling.' This article explores the pros and cons of fiber and copper and the virtues of using one cabling system over the other. Below are the pros and cons of the two wiring systems.

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Top Pros and Cons for Copper vs. Fiber

 

Copper Wire Pros

 

Cost-effective

Copper wire is less expensive, making it more economical for small businesses or home networks.

Availability

Copper wire is reliably available from local retailers, making it a popular choice for network applications.

Compatibility

Copper wire is compatible with most existing infrastructures, providing an easy upgrade for outdated networks.

Durability

Copper wire is durable and a reliable option for outdoor applications.

 

Copper Wire Cons

 

Limited bandwidth

Copper wire has a restricted bandwidth, which is unsuitable for transmitting large amounts of data over long distances.

Electromagnetic interference

Copper wire is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which can cause data loss or corruption.

Signal degradation

Copper wire can experience signal degradation over long distances, which can cause data loss or errors.

Limited transmission distance

Copper wire has a short transmission distance, often less than 300 feet, which is unsuitable for long-distance data transmission.

 

Fiber Optic Pros

 

High bandwidth

Fiber optic cables possess an elevated bandwidth over copper wire, making them desirable for transmitting large amounts of data over long distances.

Immune to interference

Fiber optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them more reliable in noisy environments.

High signal quality

Fiber optic cables provide high-quality signal transmission, reducing the risk of data loss or errors.

Distance transmissions

Fiber optic cables transmit data over long distances without signal degradation, making them superior for long-distance transmissions.

 

Fiber Optic Cons

 

Cost

Fiber optic cables are generally more expensive than copper wire, making them a less economical choice for small businesses or home networks.

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Specialized installation

Fiber optic cables require specialized installation and handling, which can increase installation costs.

Availability

Fiber wiring, connections, and network equipment are more difficult to obtain, are often out of stock, and are often prioritized for large bulk orders.

Compatibility

Fiber optic cables are incompatible with existing copper wire infrastructure, making them a more difficult upgrade for older networks.

 

Top Selection Considerations for Network Cabling

 

Copper Cabling Top Selection Considerations

  • Cheaper
  • Slow transmission speed
  • Heavier and thicker
  • More difficult to install
  • The most common type of cabling
  • More widely available
  • Easier to cut and spliced
  • Susceptible to interference from EMI
  • Signal loss
  • Distortion
  • Disruptions
  • Limited bandwidth
  • Easily subject to becoming outdated b/c of technological advances
  • Lower installation price currently
  • Tensile strength of 25 pounds
  • Copper is subject to corrosion, degrades with age, and may need replacement in as little as 5 years
  • Weight per ft = 39 lbs
  • Loses 90% of its transmission signal at 100 meters
  • Low security, easily tapped
  • Higher maintenance, interference, risk of tampering, and replacement cost

 

Fiber Optic Cabling Top Selection Considerations

  • Faster transmission speed
  • Longer distances
  • More reliable
  • Most durable 50 years
  • Thinner and more lightweight
  • Weight per ft = 4 lbs
  • Higher security
  • Tensile strength of 200 pounds
  • Not affected by EMI (electric motors, power lines, and microwaves
  • Less susceptible to signal loss, distortion, or disruption
  • Less likely to become outdated b/c of technology
  • More likely to meet the heavy demands of growing businesses
  • May be a lower cost option for the long run
  • Loses only 3% of its transmission signal per 100 meters
  • Better for supporting a LAN
  • Higher upfront price
  • High security (does not carry electrical signals)
  • Easily submerged in water

 

The chart below compares the 14 most important differences between copper and fiber wiring. Fiber has the advantage in all comparisons regarding performance. Copper has the edge with lower cost, accessibility, and compatibility with existing networking systems in many established business enterprises. However, the high price for improved technology can often outweigh the advantages of increased performance. For high-tech companies with high bandwidth requirements, performance is a necessity.

 

Comparison Chart Copper vs. Fiber Optic Cables

 

Feature Copper Cables Fiber Optic Cables Speed Limited to a few Gbps over short distances Can transmit data at speeds of up to 400 Gbps over long distances Distance 300 Ft. @ 1 Gbps 12 Miles+ @ 10 Gbps Bandwidth 10 Gbps 60 Tbps + Interference Prone to electromagnetic interference, RFI, crosstalk, noise, and voltage surges Full immunity Security Vulnerable to tapping and interception Difficult to tap or intercept without specialized equipment Size Relatively large and bulky Much smaller Flexibility Flexible, but experiences signal loss with significant bending Highly flexible, low signal loss with bending Weight (per 1,000 ft) 39 lbs. 4 lbs. Installation Thicker diameter, more routing issues, low pulling strength Easy to install and maintain, thin diameter, strong pulling strength Energy Consumption >10W per user 2W per user Lifecycle 5-years 30 to 50-years Future Proof Continues to fall short of the increasing network demands and technological advances Expected to stay ahead of technology advances for some time Compatibility Most compatible with the pre-existing network and communication systems Often requires replacing old networking communication systems Availability Easily accessible and almost always in stock More challenging to find the correct item in stock Cost Less expensive compared to fiber optic cables More expensive compared to copper cables

 

 

Fiber optic cables offer superior performance compared to copper cables, especially over long distances. They provide higher data transmission rates, larger bandwidths and are immune to electromagnetic interference. Copper cables, however, are still widely used for short-distance networking since they are less expensive. In addition, network devices that require more bandwidth, higher speeds, and more reliable internet connectivity, such as security cameras, digital signage, and VoIP systems, make fiber optic cable the obvious choice for those who provide telecommunications and internet. To determine the best option for your business, it is best to have a to visit your office and assess your specific networking needs. Call Les Olson IT at 801-922- to schedule a free network analysis.

 

 

 

Footnotes

  • Oki, Olukayode, and Morolake Oladayo Lawrence. " ." Journal on Innovation and Sustainability RISUS 13.2 (): 111-123. Abstract. Accessed 24 Apr. . revistas.pucsp.br/risus/article/view/
  • Logeshwaran, J., et al. " ." ICTACT Journal on Communication Technology 13.01 . pp. -. Accessed 24 Apr. . www.researchgate.net/profile/Logeshwaran-Jaganathan/publication/_The_role_of_integrated_structured_cabling_system_ISCS_for_reliable_bandwidth_optimization_in_high-speed_communication_network/links/fad5eed5e4bdc8d/The-role-of-integrated-structured-cabling-system-ISCS-for-reliable-bandwidth-optimization-in-high-speed-communication-network.pdf
  • Hayes, Jim. ? Electrical Contractor. Apr 15, . Webpage. Accessed 24 Apr. . www.ecmag.com/magazine/articles/article-detail/miscellaneous-copper-cabling-really-cheaper-fiber-optic-cabling

Benefits & disadvantages of Fiber Optic Internet | Article

3. Zero difference between upload and download speeds

Traditional wired internet always offers higher download speeds than upload speeds. Thus downloading large files onto your device takes you much less time than it takes you to upload or send them online. This is a major disadvantage in situations that require speed and quick action. For example, stock market traders who require real-time price data to avoid losing money. Or home buyers who must quickly upload a large stack of documents to their estate agent to make an offer for their dream home in time. 

Fiber optic eliminates the difference between download and upload speeds. You can upload or download documents, photos or videos online: with the same speed. This therefore represents an ideal scenario for demanding home users as well as enterprises that need to send and receive many GBs of data every day.

In this article you can read more about the difference between fiber optic, cable and (A)DSL. This will help you to decide which solution best suits the needs of your organization.

4. Consistent high quality

Fiber optic not only fulfils the highest Internet data upload/download quantity standards (the amount of data you can send and receive), but also offers the very best quality. This is particularly evident in the audio and video quality. You can not only enjoy television and the internet more intensely, with images and sound exploding into your living room or office building with greater clarity, sharpness and smoothness, but you can also organize more productive video meetings and calls. Fiber optic enables high-quality conversations while your colleagues continue to work undisturbed. This is because even if you are calling or holding meetings in 4k, fiber optic will have enough bandwidth left over.

5. Freedom of choice

Internet providers can freely use the fiber network. Which means you have the freedom to take out a business or private fiber-optic subscription with different companies. All-in or internet-only? Data limit or no data limit? Unlimited music streaming and TV viewing via the internet? You can decide it all yourself, based on your wishes and the requirements you set for your connection and capacity.

6. Energy-efficient and sustainable

Fiber optic is more energy-efficient than a traditional internet connection. The reason? Unlike the copper cables used in traditional internet connections, a fiber-optic cable uses light rather than electricity to communicate (link to blog 'All you need to know about fiber-optic'). Thus, companies in particular can make substantial savings on their energy bills. Although private individuals might save a few tens of euros per year, the savings for medium-sized and large companies often amount to thousands of euros. Copper power cables are also not ideal from an environmental point of view. They can swell, causing heavy metals to end up in the soil.

7. Fiber optic eases digitization processes

Fiber-optic Business Internet facilitates the continuous exchange of data and connects people, organizations and commercial buildings. Citizens, governments and businesses can join forces and contribute together to a smarter and more efficient use of resources. Fiber-optic Business Internet thereby helps usher in the transformation to the digital society of the future.

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