Copper versus Fiber

Once the decision is made to implement 10GbE functionality, organizations must consider the data carrying techniques that facilitate such bandwidth. Copper and fiber cabling are the preeminent technologies for data transmission and provide their own unique benefits and drawbacks.

Copper is the de-facto standard for transmitting data between devices due to its low cost, easy installation and flexibility. It also possesses distinct shortcomings. Copper is best when utilized in short lengths, typically 100 meters or less. When employed over long distances, electromagnetic signal characteristics hinder performance.

In addition, bundling copper cabling can cause interference, making it difficult to employ as a comprehensive backbone. For these reasons, copper cabling has become the principal data carrying technique for communication among PCs and LANs, but not campus or long-distance transmission.

On the other hand, fiber cabling is typically used for remote campus connectivity, crowded wiring closets, long-distance communications and environments that need protection from interference, such as manufacturing areas. Since it is very reliable and less susceptible to attenuation, it is optimum for sending data beyond 100 meters.

However, fiber is also more costly than copper and its use is typically limited to those applications that demand it. As a result, most organizations utilize a combination of copper and fiber cabling.

As these companies transition to 10GbE functionality, they must have a solid understanding of the various cabling technologies and a sound migration strategy to ensure their cabling infrastructure will support their network infrastructure both today and tomorrow.

Sopto supplies high quality twinax cables, like SFP+ DAC, XFP to XFP cables, QSFP+ cables and so on for Data Center and HPC copper and fiber cabling. For the newest quotes, please contact a Sopto representative by calling 86-755-36946668, or by sending an email to info@sopto.com.