Exceeds Distance Capability of Copper

Fiber Optic is used by many telecommunications companies to transmit telephone signals, Internet communication, and cable television signals. Due to much lower attenuation and interference, optical fiber has large advantages over existing copper wire in long-distance and high-demand applications. Fiber optics has become increasingly popular as computer network speeds have risen to the gigabit range and above. Most large corporate or industrial networks use fiber optics for the LAN backbone cabling. Some have also adopted fiber to the desktop using a centralized fiber architecture which can be quite cost effective. Even fiber to the home architectures are being used in premises networks. Fiber offers several advantages for LAN backbones. The biggest advantage of optical fiber is the fact it can transport more information longer distances in less time than any other communications medium. In addition, it is unaffected by the interference of electromagnetic radiation which makes it possible to transmit information and data through areas with too much interference for copper wiring with less noise and less error, for example in industrial networks in factories. Fiber is smaller and lighter than copper wires which makes it easier to fit in tight spaces or conduits. A properly designed centralized fiber optic network may save costs over copper wiring when the total cost of installation, support, regeneration, etc. are included.

Virtually Eliminates Lightning Strikes

Lightning protection is one of the key reasons for utilizing fiber optics. Unlike copper wire, the fiber itself is made from dielectric (non conducting) materials, cannot conduct electrical current, and is immune to EM radiation.Telecommunication equipment and communication lines located at or near power generating facilities, sub stations, high voltage transmission towers, PCS/Wireless and E911 antenna sites, are exposed to potential damage and destruction by lightning strikes, power surges and Ground Potential Rise (GPR) events. This is an important consideration, because not only is the equipment and related services at risk, but personnel working in these environments are also at risk of serious injury or death should a GPR event or lighting strike occur. Industrial network components must be capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperature ranges as well as lightning strikes, Ground Potential Rise (GPR) events and power surges.