What is the primary advantage of fiber optic cabling over copper cabling?

The primary advantage of fiber optic cabling over copper cabling is its higher bandwidth and longer transmission distance. Fiber optic cables utilize light to transmit data, which allows them to carry far more data compared to copper cables, which transmit information as electrical signals. This increased capacity enables fiber optics to support higher bandwidth applications such as video streaming and large data transfers more efficiently.

Additionally, fiber optic cables can transmit data over much longer distances without a significant loss of signal strength. In contrast, copper cabling is limited by attenuation, which necessitates the use of repeaters or extenders for long-distance communications. This capability makes fiber optics an ideal choice for telecommunications and data networks that require high performance and reliability over extensive areas.

While lower cost, ease of installation, and reduced susceptibility to environmental interference are relevant factors in a cabling decision, they do not match the fundamental advantages that higher bandwidth and longer distances bring to fiber optic technology. These features are critical in modern network designs, especially as data demands continue to increase.