When you build or upgrade a fiber network, the same four words pop up everywhere— fiber optic (bare fiber), pigtail, patch cord, optical cable. They're related, but they are not interchangeable. Mixing them up drives costs higher, increases loss, and slows your rollout. The. Many people ask the same question: Can you use a fiber optic cable with an RJ45 port? The short answer is no - RJ45 connectors are designed for electrical Ethernet signals, while fiber optics transmit light pulses through glass or plastic. However, modern networks often combine both technologies. Copper cables can support limited bandwidth services per “pair” within the cable – but fiber enables networks to simultaneously handle data with Gigabit speeds, phone, television services and more, all over the same connection – and with better performance. While fiber optics is redefining communication speed and distance, coaxial cables still play an essential role in RF, CCTV, and specialized industries. Will fiber optic cables replace coaxial. Wireless, DOCSIS, and DSL technologies have required continuous outdoor infrastructure upgrades to increase speeds and capacity, and carriers have recognized the value of fiber as these incremental approaches typically include more optical fiber deeper into the network toward the subscriber.