| Optical Fibre | Metallic Wire |
| Not a lightning hazard as it is non conducting | Can attract and transmit lightning |
| Lighter in weight | Heavier in weight |
| Not affected by Interference | Affected by interference |
| High data bandwidth | Lower data bandwidth |
| Lower data loss | Data loss is more |
| Faster data transmission | Relatively slower data transmission |
| Unauthorised tapping of data is difficult | Easier to tap data without authorization. |
| Difficult to terminate | Easier to terminate |
| High initial cost | Lower initial cost |
| Less affected by chemicals and pollution | More prone to effects of pollution |
| No risk of sparking. Hence, can be used in petroleum and chemical industries. | Risk of sparking and fire. Hence, cannot be used in hazardous environments. |
