Offering unparalleled speeds and security over long distances, fibre optic networks are the ultimate in future-proofed, high spec cabling. Whether you require a powerful new network or are looking to revamp your current one, fibre optic data cabling can supercharge your system, improving user communication, project collaboration opportunities and the reliability and quality of video and audio conferencing.
How does Fibre Optic work?
Fibre optic cables work by transmitting light signals that are encoded with data down the length of them, from the source to the receiver. These light pulses are transferred down the cable by bouncing off the walls of the cable repeatedly, exactly like how light reflects from a mirror. The light pulses are created when the source converts the data it’s sending from binary into the pulses. This is then transferred along the cable to the receiver, where it is decoded back into binary to reform and display the data that was initially sent.
Why should I swap from Copper?
Copper and fibre can both perform similar functions, however, there are some significant advantages of using fibre optic over copper.
- Fibre optic has a much higher bandwidth capacity, being able to support over 60Tb/s when compared to copper’s 40gb/s.
- Fibre has the upper hand when it comes to working over a distance, as it can run over 12 miles whilst maintaining 10,000mb/s compared to copper’s 300ft at that speed.
- Copper data cabling is an older technology, and as such is more susceptible to noise and interference, as well as cyber-attacks. Fibre is a lot more secure and immune to noise, minimising disruption.
- Fibre optic cabling is a lot lighter than copper cabling, weighing in at 4lbs/1,000 feet vs 39lbs/1,000 feet for copper.
- Copper cabling may only last a fraction of the amount of time that fibre can.