The fiber optic cables are revolutionizing telecommunication systems. They are replacing the conventional copper wires fast due to the increased demand for higher bandwidth and faster speed. Suppliers such as Shiningfiber deal with fiber optic equipment that help make your fiber experience easy and useful. In this extract, we look at the advantages and disadvantages of fiber optic cables.
Advantages of Fiber Optic Cables
1. Inexpensive
A significant amount of copper wires is needed to cover several miles, making them pricey. But, the equivalent length of fiber cables is much cheaper and saves you money. Also, the raw materials for glass and plastic are more affordable and readily available in the market. This makes the manufacturing process cheaper, and the selling price is also low, unlike copper. Fiber is reliable and durable, and you don’t have to replace it often.
2. Thinner
Optical fibers are thin and sturdy strands, and more can be bundled up into a cable. It increases their carrying capacity as more channels can go through the cable to your TV, or more phone lines can fit in a single cable. This also makes them lightweight to move from one point to another, and no large workforce is necessary since installing is easy. Lastly, they can withstand more pressure and are less likely to break or get damaged.
3. Flexibility
Copper or steel fibers are hard to bend, thus limiting areas in which they can get installed. The fiber cables bend easily and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. They resist ecological elements such as moisture, temperature changes that may corrode them, unlike copper, which rusts quite easily and affects the connectivity. Fiber has no electric current; therefore, it’s not affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI)
4. Large Bandwidth
The cables have a greater bandwidth compared to metals of the same diameter. They can transfer large amounts of data at high speed in a short period and still cover long distances. The actual distance covered depends on the type of cable, its wavelength, and the available network. Copper cables have a limit when it comes to length; so many people are finding them inconvenient. No signal interruptions are experienced, making them reliable Single-mode fiber cables carries twice as much information as the multi-mode fiber cables.
Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Cables
1. Highly Susceptible
If you bend the fiber cables excessively, they end up breaking. They can quickly cut while installing or during construction activity. You cant curve them too since there will be losses of transmission. Great caution should be taken to protect it since its ability to transmit data is high, and backup measures should be taken.
2. Expensive to Install
Installing fiber cables needs to be done professionally, and you have to pay someone to have it done. Most suppliers have their specialists and equipment, and they can install it for you after buying, usually at an extra cost.
3. Distance
The transmitter and receiver should be somehow close. If it is made too long, repeaters will be required to boost the signal. This will be an added cost considering they are not sold with the cables.
Conclusion
The benefits of fiber optic cables enhance communications in many ways. As technology improves, the drawbacks are set to reduce and become more convenient. Thus, there are mor goodies to come in regard to Fibre cables.
