The choice of data center transmission media has always been a controversial topic, especially when technical and business issues need to be considered in dedicated facilities (such as data centers). Some people think that optical fiber should be selected, while others think that copper wire should be selected. Such questions often have different opinions.
So which one is more suitable for use? Is it better to choose optical fiber or copper wire? In order to let you know how to choose copper wire and fiber, this article will answer you in detail from multiple dimensions.
Here are some aspects to help you find the difference between optical fiber and copper wire
Most two common data center transmission media are fiber and copper. Both have anti-interference and good confidentiality. So what is the difference between them? The difference between the two is mainly reflected in the following several aspects:
Material
As a light transmission tool, fiber is usually made of glass or plastic, while copper wire is made of copper core (such as oxygen-free copper, pure copper, impure copper, bronze, etc.).
Transmission signal
Optical fiber uses photoelectric conversion technology to transmit optical signals. The advantage is that it is not subject to electromagnetic interference; traditional copper wire transmits electrical signals. When used for long-distance transmission, the signal attenuates quickly and is easily interfered.
Transmission distance
As can be seen from the above, the transmission distance of copper wire is limited, generally not exceeding 100m. For example, the maximum transmission distance of Category 8 network cable is only 30m, which is suitable for indoor applications (such as offices, data centers, etc.). For example, the transmission distance of single-mode fiber can usually reach 10~20km, which far exceeds the transmission distance of copper wire and is very suitable for long-distance transmission applications.
Transmission speed
In theory, the propagation speed of fiber is not as fast as that of copper wire. The propagation speed of fiber is about 2*10(8th power)m/s, and the propagation speed of copper wire is about 2.3*10(8th power)m/s. So why is the propagation speed of fiber slower than that of copper wire? This is because when fiber transmits signals, according to the principle of total reflection, the actual transmission distance of optical fiber is much greater than the length of the fiber.
Maintenance management
The crystal head production of copper wire and the port connection of equipment are very simple, while the cutting and welding of fiber and the connection of equipment are more demanding and complicated.
Cost
The price of fiber is higher than that of copper wire due to its relatively complex manufacturing process. Nowadays, with the continuous improvement and innovation of fiber technology, the price of fiber has dropped. Compared with copper wire, fiber has excellent durability and an ultra-long life cycle and is not easily damaged after installation. Therefore, its maintenance cost in the later stage is much lower than that of copper wire, and fiber can save wiring space, while copper wire needs to occupy more space to realize network wiring, which also brings additional costs. In general, the total cost of optical fiber is actually much lower than that of copper wire.
Which one is better to use optical fiber and copper wire
Optical fiber and copper wire differ in transmission rate, transmission distance, maintenance management and price cost. So, what should we choose, fiber or copper wire? The following article will analyze the wire characteristics and technical aspects to teach you how to choose.
Optical fiber characteristics
As can be seen from the above, in addition to the advantages of high bandwidth and long transmission distance, fiber also has the characteristics of low attenuation, strong durability and high reliability. At the same time, since fiber is an insulator, it will not be affected by electromagnetic interference and crosstalk during use, so it can be laid next to industrial equipment. In addition to the advantages of good anti-interference, confidentiality, and easy installation/maintenance/management, copper wire also has good flexibility and emergency power supply capabilities, which can continue to power the equipment even if the power is exhausted.
Technology
From a technical point of view, the appropriate data center transmission medium type can be selected based on the following three aspects:
1. The ability of the medium to transmit signals
If the wiring environment is harsh or the anti-interference ability is required to be high, fiber is selected. Its performance of being immune to other signals and anti-interference is stronger than that of copper wire.
2. Is it necessary to power the cable?
From the above, we know that copper wire can be used for power supply. If it is necessary to power the cable, choose copper wire.
3. Portability or mobility issues
If it needs to be frequently changed and moved, choose fiber with bend sensitivity.
In short, it is more appropriate to choose fiber when ultra-large bandwidth and long-distance transmission are required (such as industrial Ethernet wiring), while in the case of short-distance transmission and low transmission rate (such as in a building or corporate office), considering the cost, it is more appropriate to choose copper wire. Of course, the premise of making such a choice is that your device supports the connection of the transmission medium. Finally, if you still have some doubts about the use of the two, you can seek help from professional technicians.
