It’s no mystery why fiber optic technology has grown in popularity since it was introduced in the 1970s. Sending voice, video and data via infrared light pulses on a fiber line, rather than electrically over copper cable, allows the transmitting of more information faster, over longer distances and with no threat of electromagnetic interference. That’s why it is often the choice for systems that demand high bandwidth over long distances, as well as short distances with large bandwidth requirements such as data centers.

However, copper Ethernet cable is still extremely popular. It costs less and is still much more widespread − most networking products are built with RJ45 copper ports rather than fiber ports. Media converters can translate signals between the two but going fully fiber can be costly and is unnecessary for some applications. In many cases, copper-based Ethernet networks are sufficient.

But if you need to transmit high volumes of voice, video and data in an environment like a data center or a financial institution, fiber optic connectivity is hard to beat.

7 Advantages of Fiber Optics

Faster, More Bandwidth

Fiber optic cables can carry up to 60 terabits per second at just under the speed of light, while copper cables max out at 40 gigabits per second. Fiber offers over 1,000 times the bandwidth of copper cable.

Longer

A fiber cable can transmit data up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) using single-mode cable and 550 meters up to 10 Gbps using multimode cable, compared to the 100-meter distance limit of copper cable.

Immunity

Because fiber optic cables are constructed of glass, they are immune to all electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.

More Secure

It’s easy to monitor the power transmission in a fiber optic cable, leading to quick detection of a cable that is damaged or is being tapped into. Fiber cable is much harder to tap into than copper cable.

Less Bulky 

With its hair-thin glass or plastic core, a fiber cable is smaller in diameter and about one-fourth the weight of a copper cable. These qualities make it more flexible and less cumbersome to install, and it takes up less space.

More Robust

Most copper cabling lasts about five years then corrosion can set in degrading network performance. Fiber cabling can last up to 50 years in some installations as it is not affected by corrosion or materials breakdown.

Versatile

Fiber can carry analog or digital signals, including voice, data or video. It is the medium of choice for telephone and cell phone networks, CATV, LAN/WAN backbones, security cameras and industrial networks. Also, you can combine it with copper cable networks -- typical long data trunks are carried to a building via fiber and converted into copper cable at the site.

With NavePoint’s wide selection of fiber optic cable, you will find what you need in one place. We offer duplex single mode and multimode cable assemblies in diameters of 9/125 and 50/125 and connector options of LC, SC, FC and ST. Length choices range from 1 to 300 meters.

NavePoint knows you cannot afford for your systems to be down. You need your products now, and we can ship them as soon as you order, with FREE standard same-day shipping. Also, we offer courteous, U.S.-based customer and technical support. For help or advice on products, contact our sales team at 1-866-308-2158 or email us.