One of the most common questions our technicians hear on job sites across Dallas, Austin, and Oklahoma City: "Should I run fiber or ethernet?" The answer depends on where in your network the cable will run.
How Each Technology Works
Copper Ethernet (CAT6/CAT6A) transmits data as electrical signals over twisted copper wire pairs. The twisting reduces electromagnetic interference between conductors, maintaining signal integrity over distances up to 100 meters.
Fiber Optic Cable transmits data as pulses of light through a glass core. Light does not degrade over distance the way electrical signals do, allowing data to travel kilometers without attenuation. Fiber is also completely immune to electromagnetic interference.
Single-Mode vs. Multi-Mode Fiber
- Multi-Mode Fiber (OM3/OM4/OM5): Larger 50-micron core, LED light sources, supports 400 Gbps at 100m. Lower transceiver cost. Ideal for intra-building backbone.
- Single-Mode Fiber (OS2): 9-micron core, laser light sources, supports 400 Gbps over 40km+. Higher transceiver cost. Ideal for campus inter-building and long-haul runs.
The Hybrid Architecture Most Businesses Should Use
| Location | Recommended Media | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Workstation to switch (horizontal) | CAT6 or CAT6A copper | Supports PoE, lower cost per drop, easy termination |
| Floor-to-floor backbone | Multi-mode fiber | High bandwidth, immune to interference |
| Building-to-building | Single-mode fiber | Unlimited distance, highest speed |
When to Choose Fiber Over Copper
- Distance exceeds 100 meters (copper simply will not work)
- EMI is a concern: near MRI machines, manufacturing floors, elevators
- Speed requirements exceed 10 Gbps (data centers, media production)
- Building-to-building campus connectivity
When to Choose CAT6/CAT6A Copper
- Horizontal runs to workstations (standard 100m distances)
- PoE devices: access points, IP cameras, IP phones require power over copper
- Budget-conscious installations: copper delivers gigabit at 30-50% lower cost per drop
Internet Wiring installs CAT6, CAT6A, OM3/OM4 multi-mode fiber, and OS2 single-mode fiber. Every installation is Fluke-certified. Request a free cabling consultation or call (817) 383-1764.
Related: CAT6 and Fiber Services - CAT6 Benefits for Austin