Fiber optic vs. copper: 5 reasons fiber wins
By Control Engineering Staff -- Control Engineering, 1/29/2008
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Fiber optics, also called optical fibers, are microscopic strands of very pure glass with about the diameter of a human hair. Thousands of optical fibers, arranged in bundles, protected by a jacket, in optical cables, transmit light signals over long distances. Although similar to copper wire systems, fiber optics are steadily replacing copper wires as a means of communication signal transmission; applications include manufacturing, process control, and supervisory control and data acquisition. CableOrganizer.com
1. Fiber optic is more efficient and secure than copper cabling, transmitting information with greater fidelity. Fiber links offer more than 1,000 times as much bandwidth over distances more than 100 times farther than copper, and extra data security is provided since it is more difficult to tap than copper cable.
2. Fiber optic cable can carry more data than copper and for longer distances. It can transmit a signal as far as 80 km or beyond without need for amplification.
3. The glass-based cables don’t conduct electricity, which eliminates the need for grounding and makes them immune to electrical interference, even lightning. They can be used outdoors and in proximity to electrical cables.
4. Glass fibers are virtually free from corrosion. While copper is sensitive to water and chemicals, fiber optic runs almost no risk of being damaged by harsh elements, and can endure “living conditions” that coaxial cable cannot, such as direct contact with soil. And, while you may not have considered it....
5. Fiber-optic cabling poses no threat of physical injury if it breaks. Since it transmits light, not electricity, handlers run no risk of injury from fire, sparking, or electrocution.
In 1999, an estimated $14.6 billion was spent on fiber optics items. These figures were attributed to the growing use of the Internet. Companies are increasingly using fiber optics for other purposes. Applications exist for manufacturing plants, computer offices, telemarketing networks, Internet broadband companies, online video providers, Ethernet users, medical offices, hospitals, financial institutions, and communications companies.
“Today’s increased ability to transmit more information over longer distances quickly has expanded the boundaries of technological development in many areas, including data networking, wireless and satellite communications, cable operations and broadcasting,” said Paul Holstein, co-founder and COO of CableOrganizer.com. “All of this has, in fact, become possible by the use of fiber optics, and as technology users insist upon improved performance, the demand for and use of fiber optics will continue to increase.”
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If I switch my home to fiber for phone/tv/internet, the phone company would replace my copper line into the house with fiber. Since fiber cables don’t conduct electricity, they are safer. But when the power goes out, all phones are dead, even the old ones which don't use house power. I do have a cell phone, but in power outages I like having my old phone powered by the phone line, and reliable.
Kevin Bonner - 2008-21-2 15:00:00 CST -
Reason #5 is not correct. While optical fiber does not pose a fire or electrocution risk during handling while live, it can pose a serious blinding risk to the technician or bystanders if it is powered by a laser. With most lasers in fiber systems operating in the infra-red range, there is no visual indication that the fiber is powered. Even the visible spectrum systems use extremely high intensity sources.
Looking into the end of an active fiber can potentially temporarily or permanently damage your retinas.
Robert Wm. Cooke - 2008-21-2 14:12:00 CST
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