Summary GCSE AQA Computer Science - Copper vs Fiber Optic

Copper vs Fiber Optic
Copper Fiber Optic

E Easy to setup Hard to setup
E Could only send one signal at a Cables can send multiple signals at a
time, the data could be lost time
P Cheap Expensive
S It could be listened and steal the More secure, light cannot escape the
data cable


Copper Cable
- Copper cables transmit data using electrical signals through copper
wires. Common types include twisted-pair cables (e.g., Cat5, Cat6) and
coaxial cables.

Advantages Disadvantages
Cheap Might got steal data
Easy to setup Signal Degradation
Using electrical signals to transmit data Limited Bandwidth



Fiber Optic
- Fiber optic cables transmit data as light pulses through glass or plastic
fibers. They are known for high-speed and long-distance data
transmission.

Advantages Disadvantages
Thin glass cables to transmit data Expensive
High Bandwidth Hard to setup
Low Signal Loss Fragility