What is the key difference between fiber optic and copper cabling?

The key difference between fiber optic and copper cabling lies in the method of data transmission. Fiber optic cabling transmits data using light, which has a much higher speed and bandwidth potential than the electrical signals used in copper cabling. This means that fiber optics can support higher data rates over longer distances without significant loss of quality. As light signals can cover greater distances without the attenuation and interference that electrical signals face in copper cables, fiber optics is often preferred for high-speed internet, telecommunications, and data centers.

In contrast to this, copper cables, while widely used for various applications, are limited in their performance due to the factors associated with electrical transmission. This distinction in transmission methods leads to several other differences regarding speed, bandwidth, and potential uses, further emphasizing the advantages of fiber optics in modern communication systems.