Fiber Optic Is The Trend In Networks Compared With Copper

Posted on by FS.COM

Fiber optics is a hot trend in today’s world of communication network, which is a technology that uses glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) to transmit large amount of data. In recent years it has become apparent that fiber-optics are now replacing copper wires as the best means of communication signal transmission. They span the long distances more easily and provide backbones for many communication networks. Why fiber optic is gradually replacing copper networks, we first should konw the pros and cons of copper.

Pros and cons of copper

Telephone companies have long used copper lines, while the cable television companies have relied on coaxial cable for TV, Internet, and VoIP(Voice over Internet Phone) telephone service. Both industries now are making increased use of fiber, hybrid fiber-copper, or hybrid fiber-coaxial cable lines.


But traditional copper telephone lines can’t handle the large amount of data required for television and high-speed Internet services, especially over long distances. Although advanced techniques can enhance copper’s capabilities and most other companies are installing fiber or hybrid fiber lines, in some cases alongside the copper ones. We’ve found that telephone and cable company terms and conditions typically warn customers that these systems can’t maintain phone service indefinitely during a power failure, if at all.

The problem is greatest with cable company VoIP services and with systems that use fiber lines all the way to the home. It can be less of a concern with hybrid copper-fiber systems, in which copper lines carry the signal the last mile or so to the home. In those systems, carriers can maintain phone power by installing batteries and generators at the point where the fiber meets the copper.

Why Use Fiber Optic? Is Copper Really Cheaper Than Fiber?


When it comes to the cost, fiber optic is always considered to be more expensive than copper cabling. Whatever you look at – cable, fiber termination kit or networking electronics – fiber costs more. So isn’t it obvious that Fiber Optic Network is more expensive than copper? Maybe not! Looking at the cabling component costs may be not a good way to analyze total network costs. A properly designed premises cabling network can also be less expensive.

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