Optical Thunderbolt Cables Coming This Year

Optical Thunderbolt cables that can transfer data faster and over longer distances will be available later this year, reports MacWorld.

Thunderbolt, introduced just over a year ago, is a high-speed connector technology that shuttles data among computers and with peripherals. Current Thunderbolt installations are based on copper, but optical cables could provide more bandwidth and longer cable runs in the future, according to Dave Salvator, an Intel spokesman.

According to Intel, the copper cables used now are good for data transfer for distances up to six meters. Optical cables will be able to run over tens of meters. Unfortunately, optical cables require devices that need power to have their own power supply; whereas, the copper cable can support up to 10 watts of power.


Macs with Thunderbolt ports will be compatible with the upcoming cables.

Read More [via MacRumors]