Updated: August 2024
Fiber internet is the gold standard for data transmission, especially for businesses. In addition to increasing speeds that are lightning fast, fiber internet continues to increase its availability. Fiber internet is so fast because, unlike other internet options that rely on electricity, it relies on light for data transmission. Light, of course, travels much faster than electricity, with some scientists stating it travels 20% to 40% faster.
How Fiber Optic Internet Works
Media data, such as movies and games, comes in the form of zeros and ones in a Morse-code-like signal across a fiber-optic line and then to the end of a plastic or glass filament via a laser. The fiber-optic wire is roughly the same thickness as a single hair.
A cladding shields the light source’s filament from outside interference. A modem receives the light after it has traveled as far as 60 miles, decodes it into a format your computer can understand, and sends it back to you.
Are There Different Types of Fiber Internet?
FTTH stands for “fiber to the home.” With this type of internet, the fiber optic cable reaches a person’s residence or business. Because the fibers connect directly to your home, this connection is the quickest and most dependable option.
FTTC stands for “fiber to the curb.” The fiber connects to a street pole outside your home, but from there, it travels via a coaxial cable. The copper wire’s limited length presents a limiting factor in terms of upload and download speed potential.
FTTN stands for “fiber to the neighborhood.” With this fiber internet option, you connect to a fiber wire that sits within 1 mile of your neighborhood via metal wires. This is the slowest fiber internet option.
Should All Businesses Use Fiber Internet?
Businesses and homeowners alike should invest in fiber internet because of its potential to increase bandwidth. Coax cable internet is speedy, but its design only supports fast downloading, not fast uploading.
For many businesses, slow upload speeds cause significant bottlenecks in their operational processes. The fast upload speeds of fiber internet often become an invaluable asset for businesses, particularly those using voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) technologies.
Fiber internet is the only option for accessing symmetrical upload and download speeds. Upload speeds are just as crucial as download speeds, especially for businesses that perform various types of communication using the internet. For example, when you host a business conference via video, you upload and download information at the same time. Without symmetrical speeds, you experience interruptions that can make video and voice communications nearly impossible to carry out.
How Much Faster Is Fiber Than Cable Internet?
According to Tech Blog NorthWest, it takes only eight seconds for uploads when using fiber internet, while it takes 22 minutes for uploads when using a coax cable alternative. Many users of fiber internet enjoy data transmission speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. That’s much faster than the federal government’s definition of what true broadband service is, which pins it at only 100 Mbps for uploads and a staggering 20 Mbps for downloads.
Is Fiber Internet Secure Like Cable Internet?
Fiber internet is often cited as a quick and inexpensive option to boost online security, which is especially beneficial in this age of heightened cyber threats. One reason fiber internet is safer to use than cable internet is that the light emitted during online transmissions makes it easier to see damaged wires. Technicians can easily see and fix the wires as necessary, so you experience as little downtime as possible.
Another reason fiber internet is safer than cable internet is that it’s more reliable. Without a reliable internet provider, you run the risk of experiencing prolonged downtimes, which puts your online infrastructure at risk for hacking, particularly if you don’t have protocols in place for instances of downtime.
For a variety of reasons, an organization that depends on coaxial cable-delivered internet service is vulnerable to disruptions. Temperature changes, harsh weather, and dampness can all result in a lost connection.
Also, the possibility of electronic or radio signal interference makes cable internet problems easier to come by. In addition, cable technicians have access to the building’s coax wiring, and there’s always the risk that they’ll accidentally tinker with the incorrect cables.
Are You Ready to Make the Switch to Fiber Internet?
As the future of the internet becomes increasingly dependent on speed, our team at GVEC Internet continues to commit to bringing the fastest internet possible to Gonzales and the surrounding communities in South Central Texas. We also offer electrical, HVAC, and solar services. Contact us today if you’re ready to switch to fiber internet.
