How is fiber optic cable generally impacted by environmental conditions compared to copper cable?

Fiber optic cable is less susceptible to environmental conditions when compared to copper cable. This is because fiber optics transmit data as light through glass or plastic fibers, making them resistant to many of the environmental issues that can affect copper wires.

For instance, fiber optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference, which can be a significant problem for copper cables, especially in areas with high electrical activity or machinery. Furthermore, fiber optics are not prone to corrosion, which is a concern for copper due to its exposure to moisture and other corrosive elements in the environment. While copper cables can suffer from signal degradation and loss due to external factors like temperature variations and humidity, fiber optics maintain signal integrity over longer distances and varying conditions.

Additionally, fiber optic cables are typically more durable and lightweight compared to copper cables, further enhancing their performance in adverse conditions. Thus, the advantages of fiber optics in terms of environmental resilience make them the preferred choice for many installations, particularly where extreme conditions or interference might be an issue.