Fiber Optic vs Ethernet Cable: When and Where to Use

In this week’s video Don Schultz breaks down the scenarios in which you would want to use fiber optic over Ethernet cable, and vice versa. Depending on the job you are doing, copper cable may not be enough! However, there are also advantages of copper Ethernet cable that you can’t get with fiber optic.

If you found this video interesting let us know in the comments and subscribe for more!

Video Time Codes:
[0:00-1:06] - Intro
[1:07-2:27] - When is Copper Not Enough?
[2:28-3:25] - Comparing Speed of Fiber Optic & Ethernet
[3:26-3:53] - Comparing Size of Fiber Optic & Ethernet
[3:54-4:32] - Comparing Speed Over Distance of Fiber Optic & Ethernet
[4:33-5:06] - Power Over Ethernet
[5:07-5:52] - Outro

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[eh]

Fiber is also great for runs between buildings. I have a shop about 200 feet away form my home, which is within the range of ethernet specs. However copper run this way is a lightning damage and ground potential risk. Fiber is better in this case, even though range isn't an issue.

[mrtechie]

Would you use copper or fiber for outdoors, 3 stories, to a solar controller on the roof?
Should I worry about lightning/grounding?
Link speed is not important. There is AC power in place.

[Henry_Jones]

Most installs Ive seen are all copper and fiber for idf to mdf. You see alot of fiber in big open buildings like warehouses and home depot where the data runs exceed the 100 meter limit.

[jamespendergrass]

I want to be able to hardwire an Ethernet cable to my PS5 from my router and the distance is under 50 feet. Can you give me an answer objectively as to whether or not I should use fiber for speed? I would appreciate any kind of information or insight you could give me.

[Haydenz]

Is there any noticeable performance gains to use fiber over copper for short patching from a router to a switch?

[Jimth]

Can I replace Cat6 used for 4k video cams with fiber? I would love to stretch my views over our 25 acres. Ooooo... I just got to the cam- powering part. Thanks for clarity. Cheers. Jim

[HealthstarOnline]

In the Audiophile world with digital streaming equipment we are seeing fiber as another way to electrically isolate the equipment from unwanted noise. I'm not sure that the direct ethernet connection is responsible for a lot of noise in general but I am sure that fiber never has caused any... I didn't realize that fiber was able to make such long runs without some sort of signal amplification. That's pretty incredible! When I set up my fiber connection to my audio equipment I found all the different connections, adapters, fiber types a bit confusing. I ended up figuring out something compatible with my equipment but I would love a rundown on the different types and why they exist if you could?

[joachimmagnusson]

Most interesting presentation. What about Streaming HiFi Audio in your home over say 10 meters. Costwise Optical Fiber (with converters) is cheaper than Ethernet. For a good Ethernet cable you pay around 1200 US Dollars. But what about the advantages/disadvantages for streaming applications using Fiberoptic. I guess lower (or none) impedance for fiber optical cables is one and much lower noise floor is another. But can you come up with other reasons?

[libosen]

Fiber optic cables are called Ethernet?