Fiber Optic versus Copper Ethernet Cable | Generated by AI
Question: Compare fiber optic cable to RJ45 cable
Answer:
RJ45 cable typically refers to twisted-pair copper Ethernet cables (such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, or Cat8) that use an RJ45 connector. These are the standard network cables most people use for home and office LAN connections. In contrast, fiber optic cable transmits data using light signals through glass or plastic fibers and uses different connectors (such as LC, SC, or MPO), not RJ45.
Here is a clear side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | RJ45 (Copper Ethernet Cable) | Fiber Optic Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Medium | Electrical signals over copper wires | Light signals (photons) over glass/plastic fibers |
| Maximum Speed (common in 2025–2026) | Up to 10 Gbps (Cat6a/Cat7), 25–40 Gbps (Cat8, short distance) | 10–100 Gbps common, 400 Gbps+ in data centers, up to 800 Gbps+ emerging |
| Typical Distance | 100 meters (328 ft) at high speeds | 300–550 m (multimode), 10–80+ km (single-mode) |
| Bandwidth | Limited (hundreds of MHz to ~2 GHz for Cat8) | Extremely high (tens of THz range) |
| Latency | Slightly higher due to electrical properties | Lower (light travels faster, less signal regeneration needed) |
| Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) | Susceptible (needs shielding in high-noise areas) | Completely immune |
| Security | Easier to tap undetected | Very difficult to tap without detection |
| Installation & Handling | Easy, cheap tools, familiar (crimp RJ45 plugs) | More delicate, requires specialized training & tools (splicing, polishing) |
| Power Delivery | Supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) | No native power delivery |
| Cost | Lower cable & equipment cost | Higher initial cost (cable + transceivers), but lower long-term TCO in many cases |
| Weight & Size | Thicker and heavier | Thinner and lighter |
| Durability | Good tensile strength, but can corrode over time | More fragile (bending radius limits), but longer lifespan |
| Common Use Cases | Home networks, offices, short runs, PoE devices (cameras, phones, Wi-Fi APs) | Data centers, long-distance links, ISPs, high-bandwidth backbones, campus connections |
Summary: Which is better?
- Choose RJ45 copper cable when:
- Distance is under 100 m
- You need PoE
- Budget is limited
- You want simple plug-and-play installation
- Existing infrastructure is copper-based
- Choose fiber optic cable when:
- You need distances >100 m
- You require very high speeds (40G/100G/400G+)
- Environment has high EMI (factories, hospitals, dense wiring)
- Future-proofing is important
- Security or very low latency is critical
In 2026, copper (RJ45) still dominates short-distance LANs and homes due to cost and compatibility, while fiber dominates enterprise backbones, data centers, and long-haul connections. Many modern buildings use a hybrid approach: fiber for backbone/riser links and copper for horizontal runs to desktops/devices.
References:
- trueCABLE: Fiber Optics vs Ethernet
- Optcore: Fiber vs Ethernet Cable
- Cable Matters: Fiber Optic vs. Copper Cables
- Eaton: 7 Advantages of Fiber Optic Cables over Copper
- CBT Nuggets: Fiber vs. Copper Cable