Dictionary · Networking Hardware
Fiber-Optic Cable
Cabling · Beginner
A cable that carries data as light through glass or plastic fiber. It supports long distances and high speeds and is immune to electrical interference.
Where copper runs out of distance or the environment is electrically noisy, light is the better signal. You still need the correct connector, core size, and optical module.
Example: A single-mode run connects two buildings several kilometers apart, with a matching optical module at each switch.
Common misconception
- Looking into a live fiber can injure an eye. The light used for data is not always visible.