Faster data transmission speeds - Photons traveling at the speed of light reach speeds over a hundred times faster than electrons traveling over a copper conductor. In comparing the data transmission speed of fiber and copper, fiber wins easily. Copper currently maxes out at 40 Gbps, whereas OM5 fiber reaches speeds of 100 Gbps.

Higher bandwidth - Fiber optic cables have a much higher bandwidth capacity than copper cables, allowing for more data to be transmitted at once.

Longer transmission distances - Over long distances, copper and fiber cables both experience signal loss, but this attenuation is much greater with copper. Over 100 meters, it is estimated that fiber loses only 3% of its signal strength, whereas copper loses 94% over the same distance.

Immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) - Copper wires produce a field of electromagnetic interference, which can cause signaling errors in other cables. Fiber optic cables do not conduct electricity and are not susceptible to EMI.

Electrical Isolation - Because fiber optic cables do not carry electricity, there is no need to ground the transmitter and receiver. Nor is there any danger of electrical shock, arcing, heat or fire.

Lighter, Thinner Cable - Fiber cables are about a quarter the diameter and a tenth the weight of copper cables, making them easier to install and promoting better air flow in rack enclosures.

Better reliability - Fiber optic cables are more durable and less susceptible to damage than copper cables, making them more reliable for high-speed data transmission.

Security - Fiber optic cables are more secure than copper cables because it is difficult for unauthorized users to tap into the data transmission.

Environmentally friendly - Fiber optic cables are made of glass or plastic, which are environmentally friendly materials, whereas copper cables are made of copper, which is a finite resource.