[General] Why do we need Fiber-Optic cabling?


There are several reasons why fiber-optic media are highly recommended or even inevitable:

1. Distances: By using copper cabling, distances are limited to 100m (330ft) between any two active devices and network perimeter (by using repeaters). It cannot exceed 205m (660ft) for 100Mbps or double for 10Mbps. By using Optical Fibers, distances between active devices may be extended to 2000m (6500ft) for 10Mbps (or more in Full Duplex mode) up to 2000m for 100Mbps. By using Single mode fibers (with proper interfaces) distances of tens of km may be obtained. One should remember that the 100m distance is not a lot within a several stories building. (Note: actual cable routing and certainly not in a campus environment)

2. Security: eavesdropping is easily achieved in copper cabling based networks, tapping may not even be physical and users will have no indication at all that their transmissions are being intercepted. An Optical-Fiber does not emit radiation therefore eavesdropping is virtually impossible. Any attempt to tap may easily be detected by the network as it requires physical cutting of the fiber for at least several minutes. Consequently - the use of Fiber-to-the-desk may be a requirement for networks serving the army or other government agencies.

3. EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference): as opposed to copper cabling, Optical Fibers are not susceptible to EMI which may corrupt data transmitted. This feature is very crucial in environments where heavy EMI is frequently present like Industrial sites. (i.e. electrical motors)

4. Electrical Safety: Long copper lines may develop ground loops over them or even collect very high voltages due to a lightning; consequently it creates a real hazard to the devices as well as to the operators. In some environments safety may have another facet: Running Electrical signals over long distances increases the risks of sparks which may cause explosions. (refineries, chemical plants etc.)

5. Emission: Low emission levels are sometimes vital in order not to interfere with other sensitive instrumentation (e.g. hospitals) - Optical Fibers does not emit signals.

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