Internet has come a long way since it first went public back in the early 1990s, hasn’t it? Back then, dial-up was the only option, and it left a great deal to be desired. It was maddeningly slow and notoriously prone to interruptions. If someone happened to pick up the phone while you were surfing the web or downloading files, that minor oversight led to a major disaster.
Thankfully, there are more options available today with cable, DSL, satellite, and fiber being the main choices. Some are certainly better than others, and many people insist that fiber-optic internet sets the bar. To decide if it’s the right solution for you, though, you’ll need to learn more about fiber internet, its benefits, and its potential downsides.
How Does Fiber Internet Work?
First, let’s take a look at how fiber internet works. It sends and receives data through thin strands of plastic or glass. Those fiber-optic cables transmit data as pulses of light via lasers or LEDs. Data can travel quickly and smoothly along fiber-optic cables without degrading along the way. That’s an extremely simplified explanation of the inner workings of this type of internet, but it covers the basics.
What Are the Benefits of Fiber-Optic Internet?
Fiber internet can give you several benefits. For one, it’s faster than other types of connections. It can transmit data at up to 10 Gigabits per second. To put that into perspective, cable internet generally maxes out at 1 Gbps. Satellite and DSL can typically reach speeds of up to 150 Mbps. One Mbps is equal to 0.001 Gbps.
Furthermore, fiber-optic internet can upload and download data at the same speed. That’s a major advantage for gaming, videoconferencing, and streaming. Due to its high bandwidth, it’s also a fantastic choice for businesses and families with multiple heavy-duty internet users. Though not everyone needs the excess speed and bandwidth you can get with fiber, it’s certainly helpful in many cases.
Additionally, fiber internet isn’t as susceptible to interference as other types of internet. Satellite internet can be affected by the weather and how far the satellite is from the user. Cable and DSL can be impacted by distance and severe weather as well as other hurdles, like network congestion, electromagnetic interference, and even having too many buildings in the way. You won’t have those problems with fiber internet.
Downsides of Fiber Internet
Having said all that, there are a few downsides to fiber internet. For one, though it’s constantly growing and spreading, it’s not as widely available as other connections. That means it may not yet be available in your area. Secondly, not all houses or businesses are wired for it. Unless you’re in a recently built house or building with integral fiber connections, you’ll need to have lines run in from the local network. Fiber internet is also a bit more expensive than other options because of its higher speeds and better quality.
Choosing Fiber Internet for Your Home or Business
These days, internet is considered as much an essential utility as electricity, water, and gas. Several types of connections are available, each with its own benefits, but fiber has been deemed the best. It’s faster and more reliable. On the other hand, not everyone needs the speeds it’s capable of providing, and it’s more expensive than other options. It’s not available everywhere, either. Consider these factors to help you decide if fiber is right for you.
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