Difference between Fiber optic cable and Copper wire
1. Fiber Optic Cable :
Fiber Optic Cable is also known as the Optical Fiber Cable. It is made up of plastic or glass. It transmits signals in the form of light. There are 3 basic components of the optical transmission system which are as follows:
- Light source
- Transmission media (fiber optics)
- Detector
2. Copper wire :
Copper wire is used for the electrical wiring. It transmits data in the form of electronic signals. It is the single solid conductor.
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Difference between Fiber optic cable and Copper wire :
| Sr. No. | Basis | Fiber Optic Cable | Copper Wire |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Data Carrier | It carries data in the form of light. | It carries data in the form of electric signals. |
| 2. | Bandwidth | It offers higher bandwidth. | It offers lower bandwidth. |
| 3. | Structure | It is thin, lighter in weight and smaller in size. | It is heavier and thicker. |
| 4. | Environment | It can be laid in different environment because it is more resistant to corrosive materials. | It cannot be laid in different environment because it is more prone to corrosive materials. |
| 5. | Attenuation | Attenuation is very low. | Attenuation is high. |
| 6. | Interface | As in this data travel in the form of light, they are not affected by electrical and magnetic interface. | As in this data travel in the form of electric signals, they are affected by electrical and magnetic interface. |
| 7. | Security | They provide security against the wiretappers, because there is no leakage of light and are difficult to tap. | They does not provide security against the wiretappers, because there is leakage of signals and are easy to tap. |
| 8. | Cross-talk problem | There is no such kind of any problem. | These are prevalent this problem. |
| 9. | Effect on charge carriers | In this charge carriers are photons, they do not carry any charge, so they does not get affected. | In this charge carriers are electrons, they carry negative charge, so they get affected when they move in a wire. |
| 10. | Break-ability | They are easily breakable. | They cannot be easily broken. |
| 11. | Installation Cost | Installation Cost is high. | Installation Cost is less. |
