Fibre optic cable
To help develop this article, click 'Edit this article' above.
The fibre optics technology has introduced the concept of cutting edge data transmission. The fibre optic cable contains glass optical fibers that can be used to carry light. Coated with plastic layers and protective tubes, it plays a vital role in computer networking and telecommunication.
Fibre optic cables can transmit a large amount of data at a very high speed. It is widely used for internet cables. It is less bulky, lighter and carries more data than copper cables. It is flexible in nature and has good bandwidth and speed and its use has grown due to the transmission of signals for high definition television and other high speed requirements. It is cheaper relative to comparable copper wires.
The best fibre optic cable is preferable to Cat5e cable and offers both Cat 6 and various other types of fibre optic cable with different conductors. The fibre optic cable works by drawing light as opposed to electricity which is a means of transmitting signals whereas Cat 6 is type of data cabling that is standard for Gigabit Ethernet and several other protocols and supports communication at more than twice the speed because it is coiled with four pairs of wire and makes use of all four pairs while transmitting the networks.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.