How does fibre optic transmission differ from copper cables?

Fibre optic transmission uses light signals to transmit data, while copper cables use electrical signals.

Fibre optic transmission and copper cable transmission are two different methods of data transmission that are commonly used in networking. The primary difference between the two lies in the medium of transmission and the method of data propagation.

Fibre optic cables use light signals to transmit data. These cables are made up of thin strands of glass or plastic known as optical fibres. Each fibre is about the diameter of a human hair. The data is converted into light signals and then sent down the fibre. The light signals bounce off the walls of the fibre and continue to move along it, this is known as total internal reflection. This method of transmission allows for data to be sent at high speeds over long distances without significant loss of signal quality.

On the other hand, copper cables use electrical signals to transmit data. These cables are made up of copper wires that conduct the electrical signals. The data is converted into electrical signals and then sent down the wire. However, copper cables are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which can degrade the signal quality. This means that the data transmission speed and the distance over which data can be sent are both lower than with fibre optic cables.

Another key difference between the two is their bandwidth capacity. Fibre optic cables have a much higher bandwidth than copper cables. This means they can carry more data at one time, making them a more efficient choice for high-speed data transmission.

In terms of durability, fibre optic cables are more resistant to environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations and electromagnetic interference. They are also less likely to be damaged by water or chemicals. Copper cables, on the other hand, can corrode over time, especially in humid conditions.

In summary, while both fibre optic and copper cables are used for data transmission, they differ significantly in their method of data propagation, speed, distance, bandwidth capacity, and durability.