CertiGuide to A+ (Core Hardware)  9  Chapter 1011:  Networking       9  VI  Cables and Wireless

Networking Cable Specifications 1 Look Ma, No Wires

Fiber has to be the buzzword in Information Technology. That is not to say fiber optics isn't great stuff. It is used as the backbone for the Internet worldwide. Where fiber falls down is what is called the 'last mile'. For those in rural areas, it may be the last 5 miles, and it doesn't matter if it is missing in the last 100 meters. If fiber isn't to the home or office, it isn't there. Perhaps you remember when everything was going to be Integrated Digital Subscriber Line (ISDN)? The original ISDN came out with the belief that the last mile would become fiber optics, with voice, video, and data all coming in on a pipe smaller than a human hair and totally immune to the 3 demons (EMI, RFI, ESD).

Well, as we can see now, it didn't happen. And with Gigabit Ethernet over UTP a reality, expecting the investment to be made to switch to fiber for the last mile anytime soon would be a clue to get a reality check.

Networking Cable Specifications 1 Look Ma, No Wires