Fiber-optic cable is better primarily because it uses light to transmit data, enabling significantly faster speeds and higher bandwidth than traditional copper cables.
Advantages of Fiber-Optic Cable:
- Speed: Fiber-optic cables offer much faster data transmission speeds compared to copper cables. This is because light travels much faster than electricity. As noted by the FCC, fiber providers consistently deliver 117% of advertised speeds, even during peak demand.
- Bandwidth: Fiber can handle significantly higher bandwidth, meaning it can carry more data at once. This is crucial for applications like streaming high-definition video, online gaming, and large data transfers.
- Distance: Fiber-optic signals can travel much farther than copper signals without significant degradation. This reduces the need for signal boosters along the cable run.
- Reliability: Fiber-optic cables are less susceptible to interference and signal degradation from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) compared to copper cables.
- Security: Fiber-optic cables are more secure than copper cables because it is more difficult to tap into a fiber-optic cable without disrupting the signal.
- Durability: Fiber is resistant to corrosion and environmental factors that can degrade copper cables.
- Size and Weight: Fiber-optic cables are generally smaller and lighter than copper cables, making them easier to install and manage.
Comparison Table: Fiber vs. Copper
| Feature | Fiber-Optic Cable | Copper Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Data Speed | Very High (Up to 100+ Gbps) | Lower (Up to 10 Gbps) |
| Bandwidth | High | Lower |
| Distance | Long (Up to 40km without repeaters) | Short (Around 100m) |
| Interference | Immune | Susceptible |
| Security | High | Lower |
| Durability | High | Lower |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
In summary, fiber-optic cable is superior to copper cable due to its faster speeds, higher bandwidth, longer distances, greater reliability, enhanced security, and increased durability. It's the preferred choice for modern high-speed internet and data transmission applications.
