Fiber Cable

Fiber optic technology uses light as an information carrier. The cable consists of a core, a single continuous strand of glass or plastic that is measured in microns (μ) by the size of its outer diameter. This is the pathway for light rays carrying data signals. Fiber is the preferred cable for applications that require high bandwidth, long distances, and immunity to electrical interference. It’s the most commonly installed backbone cable as well.

The advantages of fiber.

Greater bandwidth. Because fiber provides far greater bandwidth than copper and has proven performance at rates up to 10 Gbps, it gives network designers future-proofing capabilities. Fiber can carry more information with greater fidelity than copper.

Low attenuation and greater distance. Because the fiber optic signal is made of light, very little signal loss occurs during transmission, and data can move at high speeds and greater distances. Fiber distances can range from 300 meters (984.2 ft.) to 40 kilometers (24.8 mi.), depending on the style of cable, wavelength, and network. (Fiber distances are usually measured in metric units.)

Immunity. Fiber provides extremely reliable data transmission. It’s completely immune to many environmental factors that affect copper cable, such as EMI/RFI, crosstalk, impedance, and more. You can run fiber cable next to industrial equipment without worry. It’s also less susceptible to temperature fluctuations than copper cable is.

Design. Fiber is lightweight, thin, and more durable than copper cable. Its small size makes it easier to handle, and it takes up less space in cabling ducts.

Costs. Installation costs for fiber are higher than copper because of the skill needed for termination. Overall, fiber is more expensive than copper in the short run, but it may actually be less expensive in the long run.

Adaptado de: https://www.blackbox.com/resource/gen- PDF/Buyers-Guides/Black_Box_Cabling_Guide.pdf