What are the Advantages of Copper Cable over Fiber Optic?

Considering the abundance of available options, it is easy for consumers to get confused between one thing or another. You cannot make an informed decision unless you are aware of everything about it. For instance, if you are planning to go for a copper cable, you need to know about copper internet advantages and disadvantages. This article will help you out, so stay tuned till the end.

What is Copper Internet?

Let us first begin with what is copper internet. A copper cable-based internet connection refers to the standard internet connection that provides up to 300 Mbps speed practically.

copper cable Amazon

Is Copper Internet Good?

Yes. If you were wondering if copper internet is good, you do not have to worry. Copper internet is good in some cases. On average, this internet connection type provides up to 300 Mbps speed and can even go to 10 Gbps.

However, it is more vulnerable to damage by lightning and power lines. Keep reading to learn the advantages of copper cable over fiber optic.

Also Read: Mbps vs Gbps: Do You Need Gigabit Internet Speed?

How Does Copper Internet Work?

Copper is a highly durable metal that is used to manufacture cables. Generally, these cables measure at least 2 mm in diameter. When it comes to how does this work, it simply works by sending electric signals using a copper cable.

What are the Copper Internet Pros and Cons?

Here are some copper internet pros and cons that you should know to make an informed decision and ascertain if it fits best in your situation.

Pros:

You can bend copper wires into any shape without risking snapping them.
It allows greater flexibility while setting up and is a great conductor of electricity.
Due to high corrosion resistance, copper wires reduce the risk of deterioration.
These cables transmit data in the form of electric signals.

Cons:

It provides limited bandwidth.
Data transferred through copper cables are more vulnerable to interference and latency.
Copper cables are more prone to disturbed signal quality which further deteriorates the signal strength especially when data is transferred from a great distance.
Copper cables are thicker which makes them difficult to cut and handle during installation.
It can easily be affected by radio frequency interference (RFI) and leak signals.

Also Read: Component vs Composite Cables: What is the Difference?

What is Fiber Internet?

This type of internet connection uses fiber optic cables. These cables consist of thin and flexible strands of glass. With a diameter ranging from 5-100 microns, these cables come with a protective silicone outer covering called cladding.

fiber optic cables | how does copper internet work

How Does Fiber Optic Internet Work?

Unlike copper cables, fiber optic cables transmit data in the form of light pulses. As these signals pass through cables, they undergo internal reflection. Consequently, you get amazing speed and low latency than copper internet.

What are the Fiber Optic Internet Pros and Cons?

Now let us take a look at these fiber optic internet pros and cons.

Pros:

You get more bandwidth than copper cables.
Fiber optic cables transmit data in the form of light.
You get more speed due to minimal loss of signal strength.
This is a better option for longer distances due to superior signal quality and low attenuation.
Fiber optic cables are thinner and more durable than copper cables.
You can install it in areas with electromagnetic inference (EMI) and RFI.

Cons:

A fiber optic internet connection is more expensive than copper.
These cables are more fragile and will break if you bend them too much.
It can easily damage during installation.

Recommended:

We hope that you learned about what are the advantages of copper cable over fiber optic and how does copper internet work. Feel free to reach out to us with your queries and suggestions via the comments section below. Also, let us know what you want to learn about next.

What are the Advantages of Copper Cable over Fiber Optic?