Fiber Optic Cables: While installation may involve higher initial expenses due to specialized handling and termination requirements, fiber optics often lead to lower long-term costs. Their immunity to EMI means they can be installed without extensive protective measures. Technicians are generally more familiar with copper systems. Communication Optical Cables (Fiber): Fiber optic cables transmit information using pulses of light (photons) guided through an ultra-thin glass or plastic core. The core is surrounded by cladding with a lower refractive index, causing the light. Copper cables, primarily Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7, have a well-established manufacturing process, leading to generally lower per-foot costs compared to fiber optic cables. The raw materials, primarily copper, are abundant, and the technology for producing and terminating these cables is mature. Fiber optic tends to be the more premium solution, while copper wiring is far more common, but why is that? What are the differences between these two cable types, and why might you want to pick one over the other? Here's everything you need to know about fiber vs.
