Without question, fiber optic cabling in Calgary will win out when building a network that necessitates long distances, quick speeds, and high bandwidth connections.
Understanding the differences between the two is essential for understanding why and circumstances in which copper cables may still be the best choice.
Both cable types transfer data, albeit in very different ways. Copper sends electrical pulses along its metal strands. In contrast, flexible glass threads are used in fiber optics to transmit light pulses. Because of this distinction, fiber is frequently the best option for a new or updated network, making the higher initial cost justifiable.
Read on to know why IT professionals favor fiber optic cables and where to find network cabling in Calgary.
5 Reasons Why IT Professionals Favor Fiber Optic Cables
Fiber Optic Technology Is Scalable
Our bandwidth requirements increase yearly, along with the data we use. If you make the financial investment in a modern fiber optic cabling architecture, your network will be able to operate at future speeds without needing to replace the cabling.
A robust multi fiber backbone will last for years, if not decades, in a structured environment and most likely continue to meet expanding bandwidth requirements. A copper category standard, however, only lasts slightly more than five years on average.
Fiber Optic Transmission Enables Longer Transmission Distances
Both copper- and fiber-based communications experience attenuation or a weakening of the waveform signal over distance. For data transmission, fiber optic cables have a substantially longer range. There are numerous variances.
Copper wires may only extend 100 meters according to governing requirements (330 feet). Although theoretically possible, longer lengths might result in additional problems that would render copper an unreliable transmission method. The transmission distance of fiber optic cables can reach over 24 miles, depending on the signaling and kind of cable!
Fiber Optic Connections Are Unaffected By Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
A copper network connection’s electrical signaling naturally generates an interference zone around the cables. This interference may infiltrate such connections when multiple cables are running close together and disrupt the intended messaging. Crosstalk is a phenomenon that could lead to expensive message resending costs or security issues.
Fiber optic light transmission has a superior return on investment because there is no EMI involved, making it more secure and requiring less retransmission.
Fiber Optic Provides Faster Transmission
Usual bandwidth measurements are made to determine data transmission speeds. The units of measurement are now gigabits per second (Gbps) or even terabits per second (Tbps).
While copper-based communications currently have a 40 Gbps limit, fiber optics can carry data at rates almost as fast as light. The bandwidth limitations on fiber are primarily theoretical, albeit being testable in hundreds of terabits per second.
Fiber Optic Saves Space and Enhances Cable Management
It has very thin fiber optic strands. In reality, they are measured in microns or millionths of a meter. The diameter of the most common fiber optic strand is the same as human hair.
However, as we’ve demonstrated, in terms of data transmission, speed, and distance, they dramatically outperform their less limited copper counterparts. Fiber optic cables require protective sheathing, which “fattens” them up to a minimum of two millimeters in width.
A single traditional category 6 copper cable is roughly four times wider and only transports a small quantity of data. Fiber is far more flexible and space-efficient (and, therefore, easier to manage).
Additional advantages of this significant reduction in cabling mass include easier access to the connected equipment, improved airflow within a data center, and an overall more appealing appearance.
Conclusion
It’s vital to remember that the cost of devices and technologies that rely on data cabling in Calgary (such as switches, signaling optics, servers, etc.) typically tends to decrease over time. Therefore, the cost of premium connectivity is expected to keep decreasing.
TP Communications assist businesses in navigating technology. Each client seeks to identify the best possible solution through customization. TP has you covered whether you need service, network hardware, fiber optic cabling in Calgary, training, or business phones. Get a quote today!
