Differences between twisted pairs and Fiber cables

Twisted-pair and fiber-optic cables are the two most popular media types used in Ethernet LAN networks. You can use any one or both to connect devices in your network. This tutorial compares the two and describes their key differences and characteristics.

Twisted pair cable

There are two types of twisted-pair cable: shielded twisted-pair (STP) and unshielded twisted-pair (UTP).

Both types use copper wires to transfer electric signals. The sender device converts data into electrical signals and loads them onto copper wires. The copper wires transport them to the receiver device. The receiver device reads electric signals from the copper wires and converts them back to data.

The main difference between the two types is that STP wraps each pair with foil paper inside the cable. Since it uses extra material to cover each pair inside the cable, it costs more than UTP cable. However, it also provides more data transfer speed and supports longer lengths than UTP cable.

Which cable to choose?

If data transfer speed and network length are your primary concerns, you should choose STP cable over UTP cable. When it comes to performance, STP is the clear winner. But if budget is your primary concern, you should go for UTP cable. It is much cheaper than the STP cable. Besides these, network location is also essential. If your network is near heavy machinery, such as a factory or manufacturing facility, you should use STP cables. If your network resides in a home or a small office, you can consider UTP cable.

Fiber optic cable

Similar to twisted-pair cable, there are two types of fiber-optic cable: single-mode and multimode.

Both types use a thin strain of glass to transfer light. The sender device converts data into light and shines it into the glass. The glass strain, also known as the core, transports them to the receiver device. The receiver device reads light from the core and converts it into data.

The main difference between the two types is that SMF carries only a single beam of light, while MMF can have multiple light beams simultaneously. Since MMF can carry multiple beams simultaneously, it is cheaper than SMF. But it supports shorter distances and lower data transfer speeds than SMF.

Which cable to choose?

If your network spans a long distance, you should use SMF cables to build the network. SMF cable supports longer distances and provides higher data transfer speed. But it costs more than MMF. If you need a cheaper solution, you can consider MMF.

Comparing twisted pair cable and fiber optic cable

The following table compares a twisted-pair cable with a fiber-optic cable.

Mixing cables

You are not limited to using only one type of cable. You can mix cables in your network as per requirement. For example, if a segment is near electric machines, you can use SMF or STP cables in that segment. If two segments reside at a long distance, you can use an SMF cable to connect them. If you want to mix cables in a network, you need switches with ports for them.

For example, if your network uses both twisted-pair and fiber-optic cables, you can use a Cisco 3560 switch to connect them. It has ports for both types.

Conclusion

Choosing between twisted-pair and fiber-optic cables depends on your specific network needs and budget considerations. Twisted-pair cables are cost-effective. However, they support shorter distances and are less resistant to interference. They are suitable for home or small office environments. On the other hand, fiber-optic cables provide superior performance over long distances with higher data transfer speeds, albeit at a higher cost.