In terms of data-transfer speeds, nothing beats fiber optic cable. It can reach practical speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) and theoretical speeds of multiple terabits per second (Tbps). To put that number into perspective, copper-based Ethernet cable typically maxes out at about 10 Gbps. What makes fiber optic cable so fast exactly?
Light Pulses
To better understand why fiber optic cable is so fast, you must familiarize yourself with its function. Fiber optic cable leverages light pulses to transfer data. The speed of light is about 124,000 miles per second. With fiber optic cable, pulses of light travel through bundles of glass strands within the cable, allowing for blazing-fast data transfer.
Only fiber optic cable uses light pulses to transfer data. Most other types of cable, such as Ethernet, use electricity. They transfer data by sending electrical pulses through bundles of conductive copper strands. While reliable, this electrical-based method is slower.
Bandwidth Capacity
Fiber optic cable has a higher bandwidth capacity than other types of cable. Bandwidth capacity, of course, is the maximum amount of data a medium, such as a cable, can support at any given time. The higher the bandwidth capacity, the more data the cable can transfer at any given time.
Thanks to its use of light pulses, fiber optic cable can handle a lot of data at once. According to the Fiber Broadband Association, the bandwidth capacity of fiber optic cable is 60,000 higher than that of traditional 10 Gbps broadband systems, meaning it can handle significantly more data at any given time.
Less Signal Degradation
Another reason fiber optic cable is so fast is because it experiences less signal degradation than other types of cable. Signal degradation is the weakening or loss of data signals. All types of cable experience some level of signal degradation, but fiber optic cable is better protected against this phenomenon.
Other cable types often require repeaters to minimize signal loss. Fiber optic cable, though, experiences very little signal degradation. This allows for long-distance data transfer without the need for repeaters.
Protected From Electronic Interference
It’s also worth noting that fiber optic cable is protected from electromagnetic interference. Electricity creates interference that can disrupt signals created by traditional cables, such as Ethernet and coaxial. This is due to the fact that traditional cables feature conductors that, as the name suggests, conducts electricity.
Fiber optic cable isn’t designed to conduct electricity. Therefore, it’s immune to electromagnetic interference.