There is no denying that fiber optic technology has transformed the telecom industry. Most of us have heard how great fiber internet has and how the technology has progressed over traditional connections. However, how true is that? Let us put the claims to the test!
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There are pros and cons to everything. Let us go over the good and the bad of having fiber internet so you can decide if it is for you.
How Does Fiber Internet Work?
With fiber optic technology, a data connection is provided using fibers made of glass or plastic. These fibers are incredibly fine, considered almost as thin as human hair. Hundred of these fibers are coupled to form an optical fiber cable. The information travels through optical fibers in the form of light flashes. The average speed of a fiber internet connection is about 20 times faster at 1Gbps than any other internet connection.
So all information (games, movies, documents files) is split into packets of data encrypted in binary code and flashed at one end of the optical fiber cable by a laser. These beams of light travel across the optical fiber cable to reach a modem, which decodes the data for your computer to understand and utilize.
Pros of Fiber Internet
Reliability
Fiber optical internet is more resistant to external disturbances than a cable connection. Electromagnetic radiation can cause a disturbance that leads to a disrupted internet connection however, as fiber internet uses a glass/plastic cable instead of a metal it is not affected by electromagnetic interference. Fiber optic cables are protected against corrosion as well.
Speed
Cable internet users may get good download speeds with a plan but the upload speed is terrible or vice versa. So you may be able to download movies fast however, uploading videos or posts take ages. This happens when the download and upload speeds on your data connection are not the same. With fiber internet, you get the same download and upload speed.
Fiber internet connection is currently the fastest internet service that you can get.
Gaming and TV experience
You are watching a movie and you realize a sudden drop in quality or you are playing a game and it starts lagging. Frustrated, you are left wondering what the problem is! It is your internet most likely. Streaming movies in 4K will require a high bandwidth internet connection.
Where your cable connection cannot provide that, fiber optic internet with 1Gbps can handle it without trouble. Similarly, gaming may not require a greater bandwidth but it does require a consistent connection. A bad internet connection at the wrong time could lead to your character being killed and your game average ruined. A fiber connection is the best solution in this situation.
Security
A fiber internet connection is safer than cable internet. You are better protected against cybersecurity threats while using this type of internet. This is because it does not work on radio frequency signals so a cybersecurity criminal cannot break into the data packets being transferred to steal your data.
Drawbacks of Fiber Internet
Access
Perhaps, the biggest downside of fiber internet is that it is not accessible to people easily. Statistics reveal that only 43% of US residents have access to fiber internet. It is much easier to access in metropolitans as compared to the suburbs and rural areas.
Price
It can be pricey to get a fiber internet connection. You will have to pay a significant amount upfront to install a fiber internet connection, as new infrastructure needs to be laid. This often proves to be a deal-breaker for individuals looking for a budget option.
Summary
Fiber optic technology is still relatively new which makes people skeptical about it. However, one cannot deny how it has taken interconnectivity to the next level and enhanced our internet experience by leaps and bounds. Those who switched to fiber internet are amazed by its efficiency and reliability.
There is a growing demand for it. However, fiber internet needs to be easily accessible and available at a cheaper rate for more people to make the switch to it.
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