Fiber optic internet doesn’t exactly travel at the speed of light, but it does boast some very impressive speed capabilities when compared to cable, DSL, and satellite for internet service. What’s commonly termed fiber uses light signals to transmit internet service via fiber-optic threads made of glass or plastic. It’s not electrical in nature either, so it doesn’t have the same constraints as traditional cable-delivered internet service provided by a cable company. So, yes, there’s much to love about fiber optic internet. This being said, there are some downsides to consider as well before you make a final decision. Continue reading for a rundown of the pros and cons of fiber-based internet service so you can make a well-informed decision about what’s best for your needs and budget.
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Pros: Fiber Optic Internet
Great Connection Quality
You’re not as likely to have issues with electromagnetic interference with fiber optic internet. With traditional metallic cable connections, this type of interference can affect the signal quality and contribute to connection issues. What’s more, fiber optic lines are resistant to corrosion and less likely to be affected by severe weather or extreme temperatures.
Speed That Blows Away the Competition
One of the top perks associated with fiber optic internet is speed. Download speeds, for instance, range from 250 to 1,000 Mbps with fiber. To give you an idea of how fast this is, the average download speed in the United States in 2020, according to fastmetrics.com, was around 54-55 Mbps. The faster speeds make fiber ideal for:
• Streaming activities
• Downloading and uploading multiple files
• Viewing and enjoying 4K TV
Impressive Upgrade/Addition Possibilities
If you use fiber optic internet for your business, it’s much more scalable than traditional cable and other types of internet. In other words, it’s easy to install new equipment or expand service to other areas to accommodate new internet delivery needs and requirements. Plus, the fibers are much smaller and lighter than copper cable wires, which further allows for more flexibility with line additions and service extensions.
Better Security
Security is a concern for anyone who uses the internet – and even more so for businesses. Fiber optic internet is generally more secure because its signals do not radiate. This eliminates the possibility of someone else picking up the signal. Fiber is also more secure thanks to the ability to:
• Instantly notice a service disruption: Any physical line breaks disrupt the entire system, so problems of this nature are immediately detected.
• Keep an eye on related hardware: All the hardware needed for fiber networks can be kept in one location, which makes it easier to spot potential issues and keep up with routine maintenance.
Cons: Fiber Optic Internet
Physical Damage Potential
While fiber optic cables are highly durable in terms of not being affected by electrical interference, these wires are still susceptible to physical damage. The reason is because they are thinner, which means the fiber optic cables might be, for instance, accidentally cut or damaged during renovation work. There’s also the potential for damage from:
• Radiation
• Bending of the fiber optic cables around corners
• Chemical exposure
‘Fiber Fuse’
With fiber, there’s also the potential for what’s termed “fiber fuse.” This is something that can occur when the fiber is delivered with a higher power to accommodate more usage demands. What happens in this instance is that the boost in light signals damages the fiber cables. Such damage can happen quickly and affect long lengths of cable.
Light Propagation Limitations
With fiber cables, light can only spread out in one direction. If you have a need for bi-directional communication, two sets of fiber optic cables will need to be laid in order to achieve this goal.
Final Thoughts
It does cost more initially to set up a fiber optic network, and internet service providers sometimes pass the initial setup costs along to customers. However, because of the potential for fiber to accommodate future needs well and allow for more efficiency with internet-based needs, it does offer good long-term value and cost-effectiveness. A good place to start if you’re exploring your options with fiber optic internet is to see what’s available in your area and compare their internet plans that they offer. It’s best to check their bundle package plans which also include other services such as phone line and streaming services to save money.
