Video surveillance is one of the areas where fiber optics play an important role. Its relevance lies in the relatively recent need for data transmission in digital video systems, which have experienced impressive developments in resolution, speed and reliability.
The use of coaxial cables used to be the norm for analog video systems, but their limitations are now well-documented: limitations in transmission distance, signal loss over long cables, and even some susceptibility to interference.
The advent of the digital age
Today's network-enabled, Internet Protocol (IP)-based digital systems have an increasing need for special cables that can carry digital video images. But even though the transition to digital systems is now standard practice, most surveillance video systems are not completely wireless and they still require cables.
That's where fiber optic cables come in: they're immune to interference, they're inherently more secure, they perform well and have excellent consistency over long distances, and their bandwidth capacity is quite large.
fiber optic cable
The choice of security camera cable cannot be ignored. This is a step in installing a surveillance system and should be as important as choosing cameras, other video equipment and software. At the end of the day, the cable will be responsible for the transmission of information that can provide protection anywhere, and the storage of data may even have legal implications, so it should not be taken lightly.
The main two options in digital video systems
Whether you're installing a brand new digital security video system or transitioning from an analog system, you need cables that fall into one of the following categories: Ethernet or fiber optic.
Ethernet cables are usually made of twisted pairs of copper wires and carry information by using electrical current.
Fiber optic cables use light that passes through glass or plastic fibers to transmit information, enabling high-speed data transfer. Fiber optic cables can be single-mode or multi-mode, depending on the speed and length of data transmission.
Single-mode fiber optic cables can only transmit data over single-mode light. Since this mode reduces losses over longer distances, these cables are often used in high bandwidth installations or projects.
Multimode fiber optic cables have larger cores than single mode fiber optic cables, allowing multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously. However, the presence of larger cores and more data means higher data attenuation, making multimode cables ideal for installations or projects requiring short distances.
Multimode fiber optic cable
Fiber Ethernet?
It really depends on your system requirements. If your system needs to transmit data over long distances, your best bet is fiber optic cable. Since they are made of copper, Ethernet cables have a higher attenuation rate, so you should install an amplifier or repeater for every 328 feet of cable.
Inclusion will not only increase the cost of the project, but also increase the chance of failure. Because they use light to transmit data, and they do so very quickly, fiber optic cables perform much better over long distances.
In terms of flexibility, Ethernet cables are a better choice because they can be installed where a lot of flex is required. Copper is a fairly soft metal, so it helps transmit data in complex locations. On the other hand, since fiber optic cables are not live, they can share the same cable wire, so you should definitely consider this if you're in a similar situation.
In terms of security, fiber optic cables are also a better choice. Ethernet cables are more susceptible to information leakage and are also susceptible to external interference. Fiber optics are inherently immune to interference because there is no radiation of data signals, making it more difficult for intruders to break into these security systems.
In terms of cost, there seems to be a contradiction between the two types of cables: although Ethernet cables are generally cheaper, they require more maintenance, so the costs associated with use can increase over time; They're more expensive, but they don't require ongoing maintenance, so their initial purchase cost remains largely unique. Also, these cables tend to be versatile where bandwidth needs to be expanded, so you don't really need to buy new cables if that's the case.
At the end of the day, the choice of Ethernet cable and fiber optic cable really depends on the needs of the system. With a solid understanding of your project's specifications, try designing and installing long-term solutions, and you'll have a good idea of what you need to know in the end.
