Fiber vs. Copper; What do we really need?

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Fiber optics. A DeLIGHTful technology. Ooh that’s a groaner. Well, why don’t we see them around more often? Let’s find out!

Here’s a fresh assortment of links for ya:

First, the previous video:

Technology Connections on Twitter:

The TC Subreddit

Technology Connections 2 (the channel where I sometimes talk about stuff and generally don’t prepare for anything):

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And thank you to the following Patrons!

[rickperez]

When I built my house, I had it wired with "Cat 6". Friends asked, "Dude haven't you heard of wi-fi?" My answer: yes, that's why I'm installing cable.

[ihaveasticknmyi]

Optical amplifiers work on a very simple principal: they make the light louder.

[Reczack]

Fun fact: audiophiles hate literally everything, including their own equipment and, of course, themselves.

[ChunkyMonkaayyy]

10 years installing carrier level telco equipment. There’s equipment that literally says “RJ45” or “Ethernet” on the copper ports so even the vendors realize it’s ok to use common terms to make things easy. I find the people who are super picky are either specialized, or have too much free time and just want to sound smart because they read something once.

[SgtAbramovich]

"I know! I'm going to make a new standard!"

Said 30 different technicians around the globe, roughly at the same time.

[Rudofaux]

YOU FOOL!
That isn't a Cat5 cable, it is a Cat5E cable.

[ChatookaMusic]

"I'm sorry for calling this Ethernet cable" *casually pans over a cable with a tag that literally says "Ethernet cable"*

[laurencenoble]

I work in live events / theatre and have to say that having one type of cable for everything would be a nightmare. Especially with reversible ends. There's definitely something to be said for knowing exactly what a cable is for just by looking at it

[andrewchapman]

Practical and common use of fiber optic in the consumer market you've glossed over entirely.


Those real neat lamps.

[Wertercat]

You forgot the most important part of switching to USB3: MAKING THE PORT BLUE

[jimnms]

Power Over Optical Fiber, or POOF. It sounds magical.

[rikkir]

I've worked in Optical Fiber production for a very large, very well known glass company for going on 5 years, and still learned some very understandable points concerning dispersion and distortion. Points that were explained to me, but never as well as you've explained here. Great video!

[andykillsu]

Oh boy I sure do like my USB C 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports! What a great name!

[andreib]

The fact that there is a Part 2 shows why i love this channel

[soupsandwch]

“Just by calling a specific number and having your computer screech at another one...” I like this description of dial-up

[Bloodray]

I just found this channel yesterday. Watched a couple of videos. These carry a very very interesting overall aura, the host guy is loveable and dedicated, the quality is superb. I just wanted to thank you for producing these kind of videos

[YOUTY]

As an enthusiast, I am very offended that not all tech is developed specifically for me.

[Andrew-epkw]

"stupid physics making everything more difficult" - the lament of every designer, engineer and architect :-)

[MrRadar]

You should do a video on the history of Ethernet, from its origins as the networking protocol for the Xerox Alto, to an IEEE standard, the various cables it used, Attachment Unit Interfaces, "vampire taps", hubs vs switches, etc. It's a whole fascinating world of obsolete technology.

[noiseismylife]

The content on this channel is absolutely exceptional. I can't get over how well presented and written all episodes are. My wife, who normally shies away from engaging in my incessant tech related banter, really enjoyed it. That's saying something about the quality of the writing. Amazing