Ethernet will tolerate your mistakes, but fiber optic cabling absolutely won't

A hands-on comparison of DIY Ethernet versus fiber optic cabling from a home lab perspective. Ethernet is forgiving — pre-terminated cables are easy to use, and mistakes are simple to fix. Fiber optic cabling, by contrast, demands precision: even a slight bend can damage the cable, terminating your own runs requires expensive specialized tools, and diagnosing issues is nearly impossible without professional equipment. Pre-terminated fiber with SFP connectors is the recommended approach for enthusiasts, but even that requires careful handling. The author shares a personal experience pulling fiber through conduit for a 10Gbps home lab link connecting a garage, home, and office.