The introduction of fiber optic technology has advanced the way we deliver power and communicate digitally but how does it compare to traditional cabling materials and is it sustainable? Here, Mark Baptista, Internal Application Engineer, explains the differences between fiber optic and metal components in cables and connectors, and how we can efficiently use them in evolving applications.
How Fiber Optic Compares to Traditional Materials Used in Cables and Connectors
When choosing a connector or cable for your application, both fiber optics and metal can be considered based on requirements. With each type we can compare performance, cost, durability and application to determine the most efficient option.
Cost vs Speed
Traditionally, metal cabling works by transmitting electric current from one place to another using the metal as a conductor. Copper and aluminum are commonly found in cables and connectors serving as excellent conductors thanks to lower levels of resistance.
Alternatively, fiber optic cables use light to transmit data. These pulses of light flow through glass fibers in the cable and provide power. Its higher bandwidth allows for faster data transmission and makes it suitable for high data rate systems.
It’s fiber optic speed that sets it apart from its metal counterparts. Fiber optic cables and connectors are capable of transferring data to an average of one gigabyte per second (GBPS), potentially even maxing out at several terabytes per second (TBPS) in some applications.
Fiber’s rapid transfer speeds can depend on its optical channels – single and multi-mode. When discussing speed, traditional metal components lag, barely reaching GBPS levels. Maxing out at lower speeds makes them less compatible with high data transfer applications. However, at a cheaper cost with fiber optics two to four times more expensive in upfront costs, they are more suitable for short-term applications where high speeds are less crucial.
Cost isn’t the only quality contributing to metal’s short-term suitability. Whilst it’s cheaper to install and maintain cables with metal components, compromised durability is the cost that comes
with these installations.
Our portfolio of fiber optic connectors ranges from global suppliers such as Cinch and Amphenol with their MT Fiber Series.
Overcoming Interference
Materials like copper are resistant to corrosion but can experience electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is when environmental factors interfere with the magnetic field in cabling. This makes them less suitable for applications in harsh environments, where fiber shines in comparison due to its EMI resistance.
Fiber optics’ use of light is what makes them immune to EMI. A glass or plastic core instead of metal enables data transfer through light refraction rather than current, eliminating the possibility of EMI.
EMI resistance in fiber optic cabling is most efficiently used across industries like military and aerospace, where durability is valued. Military vehicles, for example, are often exposed to extreme amounts of dust, water, wind, and heat.
Both metal and fiber optic cables can be durable options as both can be designed to meet IP (Ingress Protection) ratings up to IP67. For consistency, fiber optics may be the suitable choice as they are often fundamentally designed with higher IP ratings, whereas it is often something sought out for and specified in metal cabling design. 
Cinch's Fibreco MAXI Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connector supplied by PEI-Genesis uses a single-mode optical channel for superior bandwidth across great distances and 16 multi-mode optical channels for high speeds across shorter distances, making it suitable for applications like data centers or military comms.
The full range of Fibreco expanded beam connectors are suited to harsh environment applications because of their durability. These connectors can withstand -40°C to +85°C when operating and have 6.7kN crush resistance — both specifications ensure performance across harsh environments.
There’s a reason why traditional cabling methods are so consistent. As an everyday short-term solution, they remain reliable and cost-effective across many industries. But as businesses seek to step up their reliability on secure and optimized power, fiber optic connectors and cables offer an exceptional option for speeder transfers even in harsher environments.
PEI-Genesis' Czech facility specializes in fiber optic assemblies, delivering high-precision solutions for aerospace, defense, industrial, and medical applications. With advanced technology and an expert team, we ensure top-tier quality and performance in every assembly. Our ESG (Engineering Solutions Group) team, including Mark Baptista, provides end-to-end technical support, guiding you from design to delivery. Whether selecting the right fiber optic connectors, optimizing performance, or ensuring compliance, PEI-Genesis offers seamless, customer-focused solutions for mission-critical applications worldwide.
To learn more about the differences between fiber optic solutions and traditional connectors visit www.peigenesis.com or subscribe to our blog here for all the latest connector insights.
