Difference between Optical fibre and Coaxial cable

Optical fibre and coaxial cable are both types of guided media used to transmit data over a network. Optical fibre is made of plastic and glass and transmits signals as light pulses, whereas coaxial cable is made of plastic and copper wires and transmits signals as electrical signals.

Optical Fibre

Optical fibre uses thin strands of glass or plastic to carry data as pulses of light. It offers extremely high speeds, very low signal loss over long distances, and is immune to electromagnetic interference. However, it is more expensive and complex to install.

Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cable uses a central copper conductor surrounded by insulation, a metallic shield, and an outer jacket. It carries data as electrical signals. Coaxial cable is cheaper, easier to install, and commonly used for cable TV and older Ethernet networks, but suffers from more signal loss over distance.

Key Differences

Conclusion

Optical fibre offers superior speed, distance, and immunity to interference, making it ideal for long-distance and high-bandwidth networks. Coaxial cable is cheaper and easier to install, suitable for shorter distances like cable TV and legacy network connections.