In general, Fiber has many advantages over copper. In copper networks, Loss increases with signal frequency. High Data rates increase power loss and therefore decrease Transmission distances. In fiber optic networks, loss does not change with signal frequency.

LAN copper is more susceptible to damage via pulling, with approximately a 25 lb pull tension limit. Fiber, even though it contains glass, is stronger than LAN copper Cables and may have a Pull Strength of 100-200 lbs for standard cables. Rugged Fiber Cables may have up to an 800 lb pull strength.

Fiber is ideal for high Data Rate systems such as Gigabit ethernet, FDDI, multimedia, ATM, SONET, Fibre Channel, or other networks that demand high Bandwidth over long distances. Fiber also has complete immunity to electrical interference.

Learn more about Pull Strength.