Fiber internet offers a stable, high-speed connection to the World Wide Web. It works by transmitting light signals through long, thin glass strands, creating the bandwidth and speed for which it’s known. In this guide, we’ll outline the basics of fiber internet and the technology backing it.
How Fiber Internet Works
Fiber optics transmit data via light signals sent through pure, transparent glass strands, which are about the thickness of human hair. Each strand is covered with plastic, giving it reflective and signal-preserving qualities. The light sent through optical fibers is produced by high-power lasers, which switch off and on billions of times every second. Most options for fiber internet can transmit data over many miles without loss, and that’s why these connections are so reliable.
Fiber Connection Types
Wiring fiber optic cables to individual homes gets expensive, so most providers run lines to neighborhoods and use DSL (digital subscriber line) or copper coaxial cables from there. This creates several fiber access designations, such as:
Fiber to the home is when lines connect directly to homes or buildings. FTTH connections run through fiber optics from start to finish, providing fast, reliable internet connections.
Fiber to the curb or FTTC connections run to nearby utility poles or boxes, with lines to homes consisting of coaxial cables. FTTC connections aren’t 100% fiber optic, which affects bandwidth and performance.
- Fiber to the node or neighborhood happens when fiber optic lines run to central nodes. From there, signals are dispersed through DSL lines to individual buildings. Those living in homes far away from nodes may notice effects on performance.
These are the most popular fiber optic connection options. Providers advertise all three types as fiber internet, so you’ll need to ask how many of their lines are fiber optic. If you can choose a connection type, FTTH or fiber to the home is the best option.
Fiber Internet vs. Cable and DSL: How They Compare
Fiber internet comes in different speeds and types, depending on how providers package and sell their services. Generally, fiber internet is the fastest and most efficient option, beating DSL and cable in terms of:
- While it’s possible to find high-speed cable internet packages, they’re costly. It’s expensive and difficult to get multi-gigabyte speeds out of cable lines, and these packages may cost hundreds of dollars each month.
- Fiber has more speed potential than cable internet. While cable connections can attain speeds of about 3 gigabytes per second (Gbps), fiber offers nearly limitless potential. It may seem excessive for casual users, but it’s an excellent future proofing measure for those who value speed and connectivity.
Even with fast downloads, cable can’t offer the same upload speeds found in fiber. Because of its high bandwidth, fiber internet offers equivalent upload and download speeds. By comparison, DSL and cable internet prioritize downloads. While other options have their place, they’re rarely as good as fiber internet.
Fiber Internet is the Future of Connectivity
If it’s available in your area, we suggest fiber internet for your home or business. It’s reliable, fast, and affordable—which is a deciding factor for many users. By taking advantage of this innovative internet technology, you’ll have the reliable connectivity and speed you need now and far into the future.
