Older metal data cables, usually copper, offer relatively limited bandwidth compared to fibre optics.

1. Garth Naar

2.  As previously noted, fibre optic cabling has a number
of key characteristics that give it a clear advantage
over traditional metal conductor cables in several
important criteria. These include:

3.  Older metal data cables, usually copper, offer
relatively limited bandwidth compared to fibre
optics. Copper-type communication cabling was
originally developed to transmit voice signals, which
don’t require nearly as much bandwidth for mass
data transfer as many modern applications now
demand.

4.  Using light pulses as the primary source of
information conveyance gives fibre optic cables a
huge speed advantage when compared to other
modes of data transfer. Fibre will generally far
outstrip the expected performance of even high-
grade (Cat5 or Cat6) copper cables in this regard.

5.  As well as being lightning fast, fibre optic cables can
also carry their signals over much longer distances
than traditional cabling types due to their low rate of
signal power loss.

6.  Fibre optics provide significantly greater protection
from interference than traditional metal cable types,
because they don’t physically carry an electrical
signal. This further boosts their ability to transfer
data quickly over much longer distances without
suffering significant signal degradation.

7.  Another difference between optical fibre and copper
cable is that the glass versions tend to be much
thinner, lighter and yet sturdier, making them able to
withstand much greater pull forces and thus less
likely to suffer damage or breakage across long runs
than equivalent lengths of metal cabling.