In simple terms, data cabling is a process of installing cables that can transmit digital information from an Internet Service Provider to a destination such as a computer network for residential or business use. If you are thinking about upgrading your data cables, you may want to consider installing fibre optic cables instead of copper cables to increase the speed and efficiency of your system. To help explain why these cables are superior, here are the answers to some common questions people ask about fibre optics.

What Are Fibre Optic Cables Made From? -- Fibre optic cables are made from glass that undergoes an extreme heating process that strengthens it beyond the limits of standard glass. Fibre optic cables feature the core cable that is covered by a cladding made from PVC, which acts as a protective layer. Unlike copper cables which transmit information through high frequency signals, fibre optic cables transmit information through light, which is much faster and more reliable. The reason why fibre optic cables are made from glass is that glass is a highly reflective material that allows the light transmission to flow at a very rapid rate.

Do Fibre Optic Cables Have Greater Bandwidth Than Copper Cables? -- The term bandwidth refers to the volume of information that a cable can transmit through a system, and it can affect download and upload speeds, which is definitely a nuisance in residential applications but can cost you money in a business setting. Because they can transmit information faster through light signals, fibre optic cables have a greater bandwidth than copper cables. Cable companies typically measure bandwidth in megabits per second (Mbps), but they will often refer to gigabits per second (Gbps) when talking about fibre optic cables.

Are Fibre Optic Cables More Secure? -- Fibre optic cables are more secure than copper cables because they don't require the use of electromagnetic power to operate. Any time a system transmits information with electromagnetic power, it leaves a signal that hackers can trace back to the source. Fibre optic cables don't emit a signal, so hackers find it much more difficult to tap into your system to initiate a breach. Fibre optic cables are also fire resistant, because they don't conduct electricity, so there is no chance of an electrical fire caused by a short, which can happen with copper cables that overheat and burn through the electrical wiring.