Difference between Optical Fiber and Coaxial Cable

Optical Fiber Cable

Optical fiber cables are a flexible, transparent strand of exceptionally pure glass that works as a light pipe to transmit light between the two ends of the fiber.

• Optical fibers feature a core that is surrounded by a dielectric cladding layer. By producing a refractive index larger than the cladding, the optical signals in the core are contained.

• Optical fibers are used as a medium in Telecommunication and Networking.

• Total Internal Reflection describes how light in a fiber optic cable bounces back and forth between the cladding and the core. Light waves travel greater distances because the coating does not absorb any light from the core.

• Geometrical optics can be used to examine fibers with a large core diameter. Multi-mode fibers are the name for these types of fibers.

What is a Coaxial Cable?

In a coaxial cable, a single solid-copper core works as a high-frequency transmission cable.

• The transmission capacity of a coaxial cable is more than 80 times that of a twisted pair cable.

• People may become more familiar with this type of network cable because it is often used to transport television signals and connect computers.

• A solid conductor, three coatings of insulation, and a grounding conductor make up a coaxial cable. The solid inner conductor in coaxial cables aids in transmitting signals in the form of electrical impulses.

Coaxial cables have been a major factor behind the success of high-speed communication. They are used in data centers with 10 Gigabit links because they are cost-effective for short links of less than 10 meters and residential networks. 75 Ohm and 50 Ohm coaxial cables are available.

Characteristics of a Coaxial cable

• High-frequency signals are sent using this design.

• Coaxial cables are divided into two types: RG59 and RG6.

• The inner conductor transmits the signal in electrical form.

• Magnetic fields do not affect coax cable.

• It consists of a solid conductor wire, a grounding conductor, an insulation layer, and an outer insulation layer.

• The cost of the cable is relatively higher.

Difference between Optical Fiber and Coaxial Cable

The following table highlights the major differences between Optical Fiber and Coaxial Cable −