Intel says Mac Thunderbolt ports support optical cables


IDG News via Macworld has a tidbit confirming the Thunderbolt ports in Apple's Mac computers will support upcoming optical cables. Current Thunderbolt accessories use more conventional copper cabling.

Back when Thunderbolt was being developed under the brand Light Peak, the system was to be all optical. Presumably due to costs and perhaps the ability to send power down the line, copper was implemented.

The optical technology will allow greater speeds over longer distances, however, copper works fine for up to 20 feet. That distance should be just adequate for most PC applications. Still, good to know the current ports are future-proof.

Macworld