What is the Difference Between Fiber Optic Cable and Ethernet Cable?

Fiber optic cable and Ethernet cable are both popular options for transmitting data, but they have some key differences

Understanding these differences is important, especially for fiber optic cable installers who need to determine which type of cable is best suited for each project

Speed

One of the biggest differences between fiber optic cable and Ethernet cable is speed Fiber optic cable can transmit data at much higher speeds, with speeds up to 100 Gbps being possible Ethernet cable, on the other hand, is typically limited to speeds of 1 Gbps or less

Durability Applications

Another important factor to consider is the distance over which data can be transmitted. Fiber optic cable is capable of transmitting data over much longer distances without any degradation of signal quality. This makes it a good choice for fiber optic cable installers working on wide area networks (WANs) and other projects that require data transfer over long distances. Ethernet cable, however, is limited to a maximum distance of 100 meters.

When it comes to durability, fiber optic cable is the clear winner Its use of glass or plastic fibers to transmit data makes it immune to electrical interference, making it ideal for use in harsh industrial environments Ethernet cable, being made of copper, is susceptible to interference from electrical and magnetic fields

Distance Cost

Fiber optic cable is generally more expensive than Ethernet cable, both in terms of the cost of the cable itself and the cost of installation However, fiber optic cable installers should keep in mind that the long-term benefits of fiber optic cable, including its faster speed and greater durability, often make it a worthwhile investment for many applications

Ethernet cable is commonly used for local area networks (LANs) in homes, small businesses, and schools Fiber optic cable, on the other hand, is typically used for wide area networks (WANs) and high-speed internet connections, as well as for applications that require high-speed data transfer over long distances, such as in data centers, telecommunications networks, and cable TV systems