Pure copper vs oxygen-free copper network cable: analysis of core differences

　　Electrolytic Copper and Oxygen-Free Copper. The differences in OFC cable are mainly reflected in material purity, electrical conductivity, and durability. The specific differences are as follows:

　　1. Material purity

　　Pure copper: Extracted by electrolysis, with a purity of ≥ 99.9%, but may contain trace impurities (such as oxygen, sulfur, etc.).

　　Oxygen-free copper: treated by deoxidation process, the oxygen content is less than or equal to 0.001%, the total amount of impurities is lower, and the purity is higher.

　　2. Electrical conductivity

　　Oxygen-free copper is better:

　　Oxygen in copper forms copper oxide (Cu 2O O), which hinders the flow of electrons. Oxygen-free copper has an extremely low oxygen content, 3% to 5% higher conductivity than pure copper, and lower signal tranSMission loss, making it especially suitable for long-distance wiring (e.g. over 100 meters).

　　3. Antioxidant capacity

　　Oxygen-free copper is more stable.

　　Pure copper easily reacts with oxygen and water in the air to form an oxide layer that increases resistance. Oxygen-free copper has strong corrosion resistance and slower signal attenuation after long-term use, making it suitable for humid or high temperature environments.

　　4. Cost and Applicable Scenarios

　　Pure copper cable: cost-effective, suitable for homes, offices and other conventional scenarios (≤ 50 meters short-distance wiring).

　　Oxygen-free copper cable: higher price, mostly used in data centers, industrial control and other long-distance/high-stability scenarios.

　　5. Additional notes

　　Actual experience differences:

　　For ordinary users (e.g. gigabit networks, short-distance cabling), the difference between the two is not obvious; but in 10-gigabit networks or ultra-long cabling, the advantage of oxygen-free copper is more significant.

　　Market status:

　　Some low-priced "oxygen-free copper" network cables may not be completely deoxygenated. It is recoMMended to choose a well-known brand and check the test report.

　　Summary: Oxygen-free copper cable is better in conductivity and durability, but more expensive; pure copper cable is more cost-effective and suitable for most scenarios. When choosing, consider budget, wiring length and environmental requirements.