Beam My Data Up, Scotty: 4 Benefits of Fiber Optic Cables
Captain, have you authorized an update for your network cabling? Treat your business like the U.S.S. Enterprise so you can boldly go where no one has gone before with the help of future-ready cabling.
With fiber optic cables, data moves at the speed of light because light is what transmits the data from one end to another. Fiber optic cables contain tiny strands of glass fibers. At the center of each stand is a core, which serves as a pathway for light to move through.
Why should you go fiber optic? Add these benefits to your mission log.
TRANSPORT DATA AT WARP SPEED
Fiber optic cables are real-life transporters. Instead of beaming people or objects to new locations, they transport data across a network in seconds.
Unlike copper cables, they support higher bandwidths, meaning they can transport larger volumes of data at a time. Though bandwidth is not the same thing as cable speed, a larger bandwidth lets more data travel through, so the network may seem faster.
There are several fiber optic cable types, including single mode and multimode. Single mode fiber cables have only one mode of transmission and are best used for long-distance cabling.
On the other hand, multimode cables have a larger core, which lets several modes of transmission occur simultaneously. Using multimode cables can provide higher bandwidth and cable speeds. They work well for transmitting signals over shorter distances like an office building or hospital.
AVOID SIGNAL INTERFERENCE
Communications are down. You can’t connect with Starfleet. Something is causing subspace interference. On Earth, network cables can be susceptible to another kind of interference—electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Copper cables transmit data through an electric current. When other currents or signals are nearby, they may interfere with a cable’s signals. Several copper cables stored close together or near equipment may cause mixed messaging and errors, possibly degrading a system’s performance or damaging equipment.
Fortunately, fiber optic cables aren’t susceptible to EMI. Since they don’t use electric currents, they are immune to this type of interference. Light allows fiber optic cables to transmit signals over long distances without the need for signal boosters or the fear of interference.
FORM A STRONGER SHIELD FOR YOUR DATA
Pew! Pew! Pew! In combat and day-to-day travel, deflector shields protect ships from damage and invaders in Star Trek. Similarly, fiber optic cables keep unwanted visitors from trying to take out your data. Don’t let any Klingons—or people from Earth—get to your data.
Fiber optic cables are not only safer to handle, they serve as better shields for your data. As mentioned before, fiber optic networks don’t emit signals like copper cabling. This makes it difficult for anyone to intercept data.
If someone wanted to intercept data from a fiber optic network, they would have to cut the strand of a cable. Any physical break in the system will cause it to shut down, alerting everyone that the network has been breached.
SAVE SPACE & LOOK SLEEK
Fiber optic cables are smaller than their copper counterparts, so they take up less space in your walls, ceilings and network closets. Some copper cables are four times the diameter of their fiber optic cousins. Lightweight and narrow, fiber optic cables can be easier to install, store and maintain.
Switching to fiber optic cables can free up space for better air circulation around the cables and equipment, as well as easier access to equipment ports. With less cable clutter, your space will seem sleek and better than ever. You may even feel like you’ve entered a starship.
PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE
One of the best things about fiber optic cabling is that it will serve you for many years to come. As technology progresses and the amount of data we use increases, a network with a fiber optic foundation will be able to support future speeds—without the need to constantly replace cables.
Fiber optic networks are also easy to scale as needs grow and change, making them a great investment for your office, medical facility or manufacturing plant.
The future of your network cabling doesn’t have to be light years away.
Page us on our Communicator for a quote or to learn more about network cabling with fiber optic. We can help your network live long and prosper. 🖖
