Standard high-performance fiber optic data cables do not contain copper elements. Whether you're looking at an HDMI cable, a USB cable, Ethernet patch cable, or any other kind of network of data transmission cabling, they are all built using copper or fiber optic internal wiring. But does the composition of these advanced cables include metallic copper elements alongside the optical fiber strands? This. Communication relies on electromagnetic (EM) waves. Unguided media involve transmitting EM waves through the atmosphere or outer space. Both copper and what is essentially glass, or fibre optics, have their advantages and unique characteristics.