Ethernet vs. Fiber Optics

On the consumer level, there are two main ways to connect to a network: through fiber optics, or through Ethernet. Ethernet is currently the standard, though the rise of services like Verizon FIOS and Google Fiber have brought greater recognition of the power of fiber optic cabling, particularly when it comes to providing an Internet connection. (Spencer, 2012) Although both sorts of connections enable users to access things like the Internet or server storage over LAN, there are some fairly major differences between the two kinds of cables, most notably in their physical attributes and connectivity, speed and range, and cost.

While both fiber optic and Ethernet cables enable the transfer of similar kinds of data, differences in their physical construction are abundant. First, fiber optic cables are designed to transmit data using light, while Ethernet cables are designed to transmit electrical signals. These different needs require different materials. Thus, fiber optic cables are composed of thin strands of glass or plastic, while Ethernet cables are made from copper wiring. Both types of cables get encased in a plastic shield for consumer use. Ethernet cables are twisted in a pair beneath the plastic in order to reduce signal loss, while fiber optic cables are wrapped in a bundle with no twisting. Connectivity-wise, Ethernet cables are much easier to connect to computers than fiber optic cables, since almost all desktop and laptop computers manufactured today possess an Ethernet port. A fiber-optic connection directly into a computer requires a connector such as the Gigabit Interface Converter to be installed (Weedmark).

There are several marked differences in the speed and range of signals being transmitted over the two kinds of cables. While current Ethernet connections do offer connection speeds of up to ten gigabits per second, aided by the twisted-pair format the cables are constructed with, they have a range of only 328 feet. Additionally, the majority of Ethernet networks have connection speeds of around 100 megabits per second, commonly known as Fast Ethernet. Fiber optics, on the other hand, can achieve ten speeds of up to ten gigabits per second at distances of nearly two miles. (Weedmark) Fiber optic cables are also better at handling a larger network load than Ethernet cables are, which can get bogged down in transmission delays if too many users are on the network much more easily than on a fiber connection (Spurgeon, 2000). Networks perform better on QoS implementations using Fiber optics than ethernet.

The cost breakdown between the two types of cables is simple. For shorter distances, Ethernet cables are cheaper, since an equivalent size fiber optic cable would be less cost-effective to use. However, due to Ethernet’s range limitations, over long distances installation of switches would be required, significantly driving up the cost of maintaining such a connection. For longer distances, fiber optics are the way to go (Weedmark). When working out the cost of setting up a fiber-optic network, it is also important to consider what that network will be used for in order to know which type of cable – single-mode or multi-mode – will be the most useful for the smallest cost (Wind). Fiber optic cable also can be more expensive to lay down than copper wiring in some areas, particularly in remote residential locations. This cost increase makes it simple to deduce that Ethernet cable is the norm in those regions, even though the network speed is far slower than it would be with a fiber optic connection (Frederick, 2003).

Ultimately, the decision by the user on which type of cable should be used for their application depends on what they need most. Do they want to keep the cost down on a short-distance VLAN and IT networks? Ethernet is probably what they’re looking for. Do they want to help create a backbone for an entire office building’s Internet connection? Fiber optics is the more optimal cable to choose from. When selecting a cable, the user should always consider the type of connection they need, the speed and range they’re connecting over, and the potential cost of constructing the network.

References

Frederick, J. (2003). Gigabit Ethernet over fiber optic cable: broadband for the 21st century. WISE Journal of Engineering & Public Policy, 7. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wise-intern.org%2Fjournal%2F2002%2Fjasonfrederick.pdf

Spencer, W. (2012, October 31). Fiber optic Internet. The Tech-FAQ. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from http://www.tech-faq.com/fiber-optic-internet.html

Spurgeon, C. (2000). Ethernet: the definitive guide. Cambridge, MA: O'Reilly.

Weedmark, D. (n.d.). What is the difference between normal Ethernet cables & fiber optic?. Tech Channel - RadioShack. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from http://techchannel.radioshack.com/difference-between-normal-ethernet-cables-fiber-optic-2401.html

Wind, M. (n.d.). Optical fiber and 10 gigabit Ethernet. 10gea.org. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from http://www.10gea.org/whitepapers/optical-fiber-and-10-gigabit-ethernet/