The Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Cable Installation

The use of fiber optic cable has been widely increased due to its faster speed with less attenuation and not susceptible to EMI. Unlike traditional copper cable, it can carry a huge amount of data, leading to the demand for fiber optic cable installation across various industries, especially in telecommunication and data communication.

However, there are several disadvantages of this cable, as installation is delicate and more difficult to repair. In this blog, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of optic cable.  

Advantages of Fiber Optic Cable Installation

Higher Bandwidth

Fiber optic cable offers higher bandwidth compared to the traditional copper cable. Due to this, data can be transmitted at a very high speed, usually 1.6 TB/s. It supports modern demands  like 4K live video streaming, cloud computing, and heavy file sharing. For instance, in cloud computing, the high bandwidth allows for rapid data transfer, facilitating the quick and secure exchange of vast amounts of information across global networks.

The higher bandwidth has paved the way for the next generation of internet-based light, known as LiFi.

Smooth Data Travel at Longer Distance

Fiber optic cable uses light pulses to transmit the data from one end to another at the speed of light, aiding in minimal signal loss. That’s why transoceanic fiber optic cables are used for global internet connectivity, permitting data to traverse thousands of miles without requiring frequent signal regeneration.

Thin & Lightweight

Usually, optical fiber is thinner and lighter compared to traditional copper wire, providing many practical advantages. This nature has helped industries like aviation to reduce the overall weight of aircraft, enabling fuel efficiency and better performance of aerospace.

Immune to EMI

Fiber optics are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. This helps various industries where heavy machinery generates substantial EMI. So, one can’t match the stability and reliability of data transmission via fiber optics, ensuring uninterrupted communication and operation of critical systems.

Higher Security

Unlike RF-based systems, it is very difficult to tap fiber optic cable, as light is transported within the cable itself. This feature has helped banks and financial institutions to protect their customer data or any sensitive information.

Strong, Reliable & Flexible

Despite their delicate appearance, optical fibers exhibit remarkable strength, durability, and flexibility. This has increased the usage of this wire in harsh environmental conditions and high-vibration settings, such as aerospace and automotive applications. These industries’ demand to withstand such conditions while maintaining reliable data transmission is pivotal in these industries.

Disadvantage of Fiber Optic Cable Installation

Production & Installation Cost

Since fiber optic cables come with various advantages, they require special attention during production and costs are significantly higher. Moreover, one can consider this as large-scale infrastructure deployment, aiding in generating revenue in the long term.

Fragility

This is made of plastic and glass, which is prone to damage if mishandled compared to the traditional copper wire. Any accidents or bending can cause signal loss, requiring special care and attention. 

Splicing Difficulties

Whether you are deploying a new fiber optic cable or expanding the existing one, you need a specialist who can handle this carefully to avoid network disruption. Finding a skilled professional who can handle this like a pro can be challenging.

For undersea cables, where damage is a real risk, repairing a damaged line involves intricate processes and specialized equipment, often resulting in extended service interruptions.

Installation & Construction Risk

During the installation process, it is highly susceptible to cuts and damage, demanding careful handling and protective measures to prevent damage. Moreover, this can also disrupt the existing infrastructure, requiring meticulous planning and coordination to minimize disruptions.

RIAM Enterprises: Your Reliable Partner in Fiber Optic Cable Installation

RIAM Enterprises is one of the reliable fiber optic network companies with more than two decades of experience in the structured cabling business. We are dedicated to providing the best possible solutions and products for our clients. We offer fiber optic cable installation service to all types of industries, including small, medium, and large.

Moreover, RIAM Enterprise customizes the solutions based on your requirements across India. We have worked with many industry-leading companies, like financial institutions. You can get in touch with us for structured cabling installation or upgradation of existing technologies.

The Bottom Line!

Optical fiber is becoming more and more popular across the globe, with a wide range of advantages. Its high-speed data transmission while carrying vast amounts of information is one of the main factors of this popularity. However, there are numerous disadvantages of optical fiber; fiber optic cable installation is one of the biggest challenges.

Fiber optic network companies, like RIAM Enterprises, shake hands with the various industries to provide them with tailored solutions.