Benefits of Fiber Optic Cables over Copper Wire

Fiber optic cables are modern technologies, and many businesses are still yet to understand their benefits over other cables. They are new in the market; most people prefer them over copper cables. If you plan to upgrade your existing network, check UK broadband to compare the best deals in the market.

Many businesses are shifting from older cables to fiber-optic cables because of their ability to deliver reliable internet. High-speed internet is not possible when relying on copper wire, and that’s why you’ll see the new emerging business do well immediately through fiber cables. And if you are at a crossroad, here is the detailed guide to help you understand the benefits you can only find through fiber and not copper wire.

Large Bandwidth

The comparison of fiber optic cables over copper wires, especially bandwidth, is a joke. Can you imagine the difference of 60 Tbps for fiber optic cables while copper wire has 10 Gbps? No wonder the difference between their performances is huge. Surprisingly, the internet speed using fiber optic cables is always steady even when there is a high demand on the network. And fiber market has been consistent in recent years, promising good projection in the future.

The level of speed is excellent for any business without experiencing any interruption. If your business has to deal with the tasks below that require enough bandwidth, then fiber optic cable is your choice.

Ø  File sharing

Ø  Cloud applications

Ø  Web conferencing

Ø  Streaming HD video

High Speed

Fiber optic cables broadcast data better and faster than copper wires. Data transmission happens at the speed of light and not through at electrons’ speed. Fiber optic connections start from 5 Mbps to 100 Gbps. This speed of connection makes sure no wasted productivity or time due to poor internet connection. Also, optic cables enable symmetric speed, meaning that uploading and downloading the speeds are the same.

Thin and Sturdy

When you compare fiber cable and copper cables, the former is thinner. Fiber can endure more pull pressure than copper pressure can withstand. The fiber cable is light in weight, sturdy, not prone to damage or breakage.

The fiber cable weight is about four pounds per 1000 feet, while copper weighs 39 pounds per 1000 feet. It means fiber can occupy less space, unlike copper cables. The thinner the cable, the more it can increase internet connection to users.

Reliability

The fiber cable is not affected by changes in temperature, moisture, or severe weather. Those three can interfere with the normal flow of connectivity for copper. The problems that copper cables encounter when carrying electric current causes electromagnetic interference (EMI) that disrupt data transmission. Fiber is also not hazardous like copper cables, especially when worn out. So, investing in Fiber cable gives you return for your investment.

Longer Life-Cycle

Fiber cables can last for 30 to 50 years, surpassing copper cables’ life cycle by far. Their advantage over copper is that they are designed using glass, not easily affected by corrosion.

High Signal Stability and Low Attenuation

Normally, when connected to the internet through copper or broadband internet, the signal tends to degrade as the user distances away from the main switch. For fiber cables, they have low attenuation in signal strength. Repeaters only need to be added for every 50 kilometers or so on Singlemode, but for copper is 5 kilometers. This is a vital factor for a business to look at when installing the internet because your choice may enhance or worsen the situation. But it’s clear fiber is more reliable and economical compared to copper cables.

High Level of Security

It is not easy to tap fiber optic cables; therefore, they are ideal internet security options. The only way you can successfully interfere with fiber cables is by cutting them to disconnect the signal.

Disadvantages of Fiber Optics

The only downside for fiber optics cable is installation and maintenance, which is not easy or sometimes accessible. The fiber cable is not directional; therefore, two cables are required for two-way communication though in some cases. The fiber optic cable is still a modern and new idea; therefore, a little bit pricey compared to copper cables.

Any business planning to shift from copper cables to fiber cables will initially encounter cost challenges but will save you money and time in the long-run. When you adopt fiber optic cable for your business, you will never have to deal with cable replacement, lost productivity, security breaches, slow connections, and many other factors.

Latency

Fiber optic cable eliminates latency issues that many users encounter on cable internet, especially when uploading or downloading videos. Here are the benefits your business can gain through fiber cables and latency issues.

Ø  The collaboration between employees is improved

Ø  Uploads and downloads happen without disruption

Ø  They help to move more applications to the cloud

Ø  Improves the voice quality for VoIP users

Signal Strength

If you are still using traditional broadband such as Copper, and others, your customers and employees must be having a hard time. The disruption witnessed with those cables is not encouraging at all. However, you now have a choice to connect to fiber optic internet and end slow connection issues.

Fiber can enhance productivity to organizations with large spaces through signal strength by covering the entire facility. Fiber rarely slows down; even distance workers away from the telecommunications room like the case with a broadband internet connection.

Wrap Up

The only thing that may hinder people from jumping to fiber optic cables from copper is the pricing. However, as the businesses learn about the benefits they can reap from embracing fiber, the cost will go down and make it more affordable in coming years. Any business that invests in fiber realizes changes in production and revenue.

Internet speed is a vital commodity today, and only fiber optic cables can guarantee you that. As you can see from the information above, fiber is the solution your business requires to compete better. Security, reliability, transmission distance, and more fiber cable have replaced copper cable in every way.