Among all the other advantages of fiber optic cables, they are also well known for their increased performance is extreme conditions. Traditional forms of metal wires and coaxial cables can expand or contract with changing temperatures. These conditions can lower the cable’s performance. Fiber optic cables, however, can perform at high speeds despite the temperature outside, as they are not as susceptible to changes in temperature. This makes the fiber much more consistent and reliable than coaxial cable.

As the cost of materials continues to go down, fiber optic cabling is becoming more and more cost efficient. In some applications today, it is actually less expensive to use optical fibers than to use metal wire alternatives. Combine this with the fact that fiber optic systems need little or no maintenance or upgrading, and it is clear that fiber has already surpassed the cost parity with copper. Considering the higher performance, capacity, and efficiency that fiber technology holds over traditional wire systems, it is quite clear that fiber optics have a higher cost efficiency than metal alternatives.