Whether using fiber is a technical necessity or a proven cost saver, you must convert the network equipment to fiber optics. A properly designed all-fiber network can be more cost-effective than the usual backbone/horizontal cabling model used with copper. As we discussed in April and May of last year, an all-fiber network does not need traditional telecommunications closets, with their costs for space, power grounds, and air conditioning. All of these important security issues lead practically every military or government agency to use fiber.įiber can be the most economic choice for simple premises networks, too. It emits no detectable signals, so it does not give any indication of its existence or location. Since it requires no repeaters, it is much more reliable than copper. Information sent over fiber is generally secure without encryption. Security is important to the government and military, and fiber provides it, because it is very hard to jam or tap. Campus networks, large industrial plants, and sprawling facilities such as airports use lots of fiber to connect widely spaced areas. Gigabit links may be specified for shorter distances, typically 250 to 550 meters (about 800 to 1,600 feet), but that’s still much longer than copper. Fiber links up to 100 megabits per second are usually specified for lengths of 2 km (6,600 feet) to hundreds of kilometers. Longer copper links require expensive repeaters and lose signal integrity. Coax used in closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems can usually only run 300 meters (about 1,000 feet). In fact, most high-voltage power transmission lines have fiber optics running down the middle of them.Ĭategory 5e or Category 6 is only designed to run 100 meters (330 feet), but runs between buildings or in large plants that may greatly exceed that limit. Fiber is totally dielectric, so it has no EMI pickup. If you are dealing with an environment that has lots of electromagnetic interference (EMI)-such as around heavy machinery, welders, big motors, motor controls, or very high voltage-any copper wiring, even the best enhanced Category 5 or Category 6 will pick up enough interference to prevent data transfer with low error rates. But whatever the reason, making the conversion has become simple and inexpensive.Ĭonverting to fiber is sometimes the only technical solution. Sometimes it’s done just to showcase new technology. There are many instances where converting from copper to fiber is necessary or more cost-effective.
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