There are significant differences between fiber optic cables and ordinary cables in several aspects, and the following is a detailed analysis of these differences:
1. Transmission mode
Fiber optic cable: Uses optical signals for transmission. The fiber in a fiber optic cable is a very thin fiber that is capable of high-speed, stable transmission of optical signals.
Ordinary cable: The transmission of signals by electric current. Ordinary cables use metal materials (such as copper, aluminum, etc.) as conductors to send electrical signals to connected devices.
2. Transmission speed and distance
Fiber optic cable: has higher transmission speed and longer transmission distance. Because the transmission speed of optical signals is very fast (close to the speed of light), the transmission speed of fiber optic cables is usually measured in megabytes (Mbps or Gbps), and the transmission distance can reach tens to hundreds of kilometers.
Ordinary cable: The transmission speed is relatively slow, and the transmission distance is short. The transmission speed of ordinary cables is measured in bits (bps), and the transmission distance is usually between several hundred meters and several thousand meters.
3. Transmission capacity
Fiber optic cable: with greater transmission capacity. Optical fibers can transmit multiple optical signals, so optical fiber cables can simultaneously transmit data over multiple channels.
Ordinary cable: The transmission capacity is relatively small, usually only a single channel of data can be transmitted.
4. Anti-interference ability
Fiber optic cable: high immunity to electromagnetic interference. The signal transmitted by optical fiber will not be interfered by natural disasters such as electromagnetic fields and lightning, and the quality of the transmitted signal is more stable.
Common cable: susceptible to electromagnetic interference. External factors such as electromagnetic fields and lightning may interfere with the transmission signals of ordinary cables, resulting in signal quality degradation.
Step 5: Security
Fiber optic cable: The transmission signal will not leak. Because light does not penetrate the outer layer of the fiber, fiber optic cables have a high level of security when transmitting signals.
Ordinary cable: The transmission signal may be eavesdropped or interfered with. Because ordinary cables carry electrical signals, there is a risk of eavesdropping or interference.
6. Material and structure
Fiber optic cable: glass fiber as a conductor, the outer layer has a highly insulating covering. Optical fiber cables do not contain metals such as gold, silver, copper, and aluminum, and are composed of optical fibers and plastic protective covers.
Common cable: a metal material (such as copper, aluminum, etc.) is used as a conductor, and the outer layer is covered with insulating materials and sheathing. A common cable consists of one or more mutually insulated conductors and an insulating protective layer.
7. Application Scenarios
Optical fiber cable: Mainly used in communication and data transmission scenarios that require high-speed, stable, and long-distance transmission. Such as communication networks, data centers, radio and television and other fields.
Common cable: mainly used for power transmission and low-end data and information transmission. Such as power transmission, transformer, distribution and other functions in the power industry, as well as control, display, security and other functions in the transportation industry.
8. Cost and price
Fiber optic cables: Due to the high cost of manufacturing materials (such as precision glass processing technology), more stable high-speed transmission signals, and the need for more high-end equipment and technical support, the price of fiber optic cables is usually higher than ordinary cables.
Ordinary cable: The cost of manufacturing materials is relatively low, and the transmission technology and equipment requirements are not high, so the price is relatively low.
In summary, there are significant differences between optical fiber cables and ordinary cables in terms of transmission mode, transmission speed and distance, transmission capacity, anti-interference ability, safety, material and structure, application scenarios, and cost and price. In practical applications, the appropriate cable type should be selected according to the specific needs.
