While both OPGW and ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) cables are used for fiber optic communication on power lines, they are fundamentally different in their structure and application:
| Feature | OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) | ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) |
| Structure | Contains metallic wires (steel, aluminum) | Completely non-metallic (all-dielectric) |
| Function | Dual-purpose: Ground wire and communication | Single-purpose: Communication cable |
| Installation | Replaces the traditional ground wire at the top of the tower. | Installed on existing or new structures, typically below the conductors. |
| Lightning Protection | Provides direct protection against lightning strikes. | Does not provide lightning protection for the conductors. |
| Live Line Installation | Requires a power outage for installation. | Can be installed on live lines without an outage. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Highly cost-effective for new transmission line projects as it consolidates two functions. | Cost-effective for retrofitting existing lines where a ground wire is already in place. |