Difference between Optical fibre and Coaxial cable

Optical fibre and Coaxial cables, both are different types of guided media cables. Optical fibre is made up of plastic and glass and is used to transmits signals in form of light or optics whereas coaxial cable is made using plastic and copper wires and is used to transmits signals in form of electric signals.

The following are some of the important differences between Optical fibre and Coaxial cable.

Sr. No.KeyOptical FibreCoaxial Cable
1Transmission TypeOptical Fibre transmits data/signals in the form of light.The coaxial cable transmits data/signals in the form of electrical signals.
2MaterialOptical fibre is made using plastic and glass.Coaxial cable is prepared using plastic and copper wires.
3EfficiencyOptical fibre is highly efficient and signal loss is negligible.Coaxial cable is less efficient.
4CostOptical fibre is costly and its installation is quite expensive.Coaxial cable is cheap and its installation is less expensive.
5WeightOptical fibre is quite light in weight.Coaxial cable is very heavy as compared to an optical fibre.
6BandwidthOptical fibre bandwidth is less than coaxial cable.Coaxial cable provides high bandwidth.
7DiameterOptical fibre is having a smaller diameter.Coaxial cable diameter is bigger than that of optical fibre.
8InstallationThe installation of Optical fibre is complex.The installation of Coaxial cable is comparatively easy.


Updated on: 15-Apr-2020

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