Wired copper ethernet vs optical ethernet - worth doing?

[kyuu]

Sorry, there are zero domestic situations where SFP is required or beneficial. If someone is really that concerned they should use fibre.

Well, SFP is fiber, and switches suitable for home use are likely to have SFP ports.

SFP is just a standard for modules to add interfaces to a network device. Often these are fiber interfaces, but they can also be copper. And while it's more common than it used to be, it's still pretty rare on consumer-oriented equipment.

 

[Ruediger]

Well, SFP is fiber, and switches suitable for home use are likely to have SFP ports.

SFP or SFP+ are the common ports where you insert modules. These can be a copper, fibre, .. different power ratings, medium lengths, etc.

Often the SFP+ ports on switches are high speed (good for backbone/uplink) opposed to the large number of regular ports being normal speed (clients). Copper modules are not uncommon too. Cheap, fast, if something happens it hits the module not the switchport..

 

[MaxwellsEq]

Well, SFP is fiber, and switches suitable for home use are likely to have SFP ports.

What else would you suggest for audio use?

Sorry I typo-ed. I meant STP

 

[MaxwellsEq]

SFP is just a standard for modules to add interfaces to a network device. Often these are fiber interfaces, but they can also be copper. And while it's more common than it used to be, it's still pretty rare on consumer-oriented equipment.

Sorry I typo-ed. I intended to type STP.

 

[Eric Larson]

Optical also resists electrical surge propagation. A definite issue if you live in an area prone to lightning strikes!

Or have an incompetent utility supplying your power. Mine still owes me a computer. Spend on UPS is a real thing in my house.

 

[theBoomer]

I'd say some fun tests could be made with power line adapters, e.g. with different household appliances active while tests are run.

 

[ErVikingo]

Great test and thanks. I use optical to eliminate a ground loop (which in the end was traced back to the internet line coming into my home).