Fiber Optic vs. Copper Cables: What's the Difference?
In the modern age of rapid information exchange and seamless connectivity, the choice between fiber optic and copper cables is a critical one that impacts industries, businesses, and daily life. Both technologies serve as the backbone of communication networks, yet they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Let's delve into the differences between fiber optic and copper cables, and explore their respective strengths and weaknesses. The Basics of Fiber Optic and Copper Cables At their core, both fiber optic and copper cables facilitate the transmission of data, audio, and video signals. However, their underlying mechanisms and materials diverge significantly. Copper cables have been a traditional choice for decades, consisting of copper wires that carry electrical signals. On the other hand, fiber optic cables utilize thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data using pulses of light. Speed and Bandwidth: The Need for Speed When it comes to speed and ba...