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Before fiber-optic cables were introduced, communication networks were constructed solely of copper wiring. Since the introduction of fiber-optic cables, we are beginning to see more networks being constructed of them. As fiber-optics is finding its way in more places around the globe, it is truly revolutionizing the way we communicate with one another.
Data Transmition is Quicker Than Ever
Modern fiber-optic cables can transmit several terabits of data per second whereas copper wires are not able to transmit data even close to that speed. Traditional copper wires can only transmit as much as 2.5 megabits each second. Because fiber-optics can transmit data at such fast rates, Internet users can enjoy even greater amounts of bandwidth, and people can hear one another more clearly when teleconferencing and making phone calls.
More People Have Access to Quality Telecommunication Services
Since fiber-optic cables are cheaper and easier to deploy then the traditional copper wiring, more people in rural areas are able to enjoy quality telecommunication services. No longer are these people going to be restricted to satellite television that goes out when it rains or dialup Internet that crawls slower than the speed of a turtle. As more rural areas are connected to major networks, we are beginning to see an increase in subscribers to high speed Internet and cable TV.
Less Interference
Traditional copper wires are vulnerable to magnetism. When anything magnetic comes anywhere close to these wires, there is interference in the signals. This will explain why people sometimes have static or interference while they are on phone calls. Fiber-optic cables do have metal components; however, these components are not used to carry the signal. So, users can enjoy phone calls without interference.
Communications are More Secure
When communications are going across copper wiring, they can be intercepted. In other words, the lines can be tapped. Fiber-optic networks are more secure because they cannot be tapped at all. If someone tries to tap the network and listen to someone’s communications, the signal will be disrupted. The person or group of people who are trying to tap the fiber-optic networks will not have a chance to listen to what is being said. This ought to give people peace of mind because they can feel safe and secure, as they do not have the worry of someone else learning of their deepest and darkest secrets.
In the coming years, we can expect to see an increase in fiber-optic networks. As more fiber-optic networks crop up, networks constructed of copper wiring will slowly disappear. In time, copper wired communication networks will be a thing of the past, and communication will become better than we have ever imagined in our wildest dreams.
Eric Blair writes about fiber optic technologies and FluxLight GLC-T type of computer hardware that makes a big difference.