As Fast Ethernet becomes more ubiquitous, the need for fiber optic cabling will grow as well. When distance is an issue, fiber provides what may be the only solution. This is especially true as connectors and ground connections age or weaken. Because fiber optic cabling uses light pulses to send the signal, there is no radiated noise. This makes it perfectly safe to install in any sensitive environment.
Optical fiber adds additional security protection, as well.
This makes fiber optic cabling ideal for secure network installations. Another problem with copper cabling is other electrical noise getting into the desired electrical networking signal, particularly in noisy manufacturing environments or other heavy industrial applications. The use of optical fiber provides a signal that will be completely unaffected by this noise. In some instances, fiber provides the advantage that it can withstand more tension during the cable pulling. It is also smaller in size than twisted pair cables and therefore takes up less room.