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Fiber Optic Technology
Fiber optic internet offers speed, reliability, and security that other internet services cannot match. Currently capable of delivering broadband speeds of up to 10 Gbps, fiber internet has the potential to be much faster, reaching speeds of 301 Tbps in scientific tests.
High speeds and reliable service make fiber internet very popular. Currently, 76.5 million U.S. homes can connect to fiber internet services, which is expected to increase significantly soon.
How does fiber internet work? Let’s look at the process, the benefits of fiber internet connections, and how they compare to other forms of internet delivery.
What is Fiber Optic Technology?
How Do Fiber Optic Cables Work?
Fiber optics describes light transmission through flexible glass or plastic fibers, a process first demonstrated in the 1840s using bent glass rods. Fiber optic internet works by translating data into pulses of light, which are sent through optical cables and converted back into the electronic signals needed for use with a computer or other device.
An optical fiber is 125 microns in diameter, a little thicker than a human hair. Depending on its purpose, a fiber optic cable can include anywhere from 4432 to more than 6900 individual fibers, allowing a single cable to transmit enormous amounts of data.
Comparison to Other Internet Technologies
How well does fiber optic work for internet delivery compared to other technologies? DSL and cable are fiber’s main competitors, and fiber optics outperforms them both.
Fiber Internet vs. DSL
DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, uses phone lines to transmit internet signals. With a maximum speed of 500 Mbps, DSL falls far short of fiber internet’s 10 Gbps, which is 100x faster. Fiber internet is also more secure, with less chance of data being stolen or otherwise intercepted, and fiber cables are less susceptible to loss of service due to environmental damage.
Cable vs. Fiber Optics
While fiber internet sends data as light pulses through glass fibers, cable sends electrical signals through copper wiring. Cable is slower than fiber, with most signals ranging from 10 to 1000 Mbps to a maximum of 1 Gbps. Cable signals can significantly drop during peak use, making fiber more suitable for 4K streaming and other applications requiring heavy data. Cable is, however, more widely available than fiber internet services.
Benefits of Fiber Optic Technology
Speed and Reliability
Fiber internet offers speeds up to 10 Gbps with less signal interference over long distances. You get faster download and upload speeds with reduced latency and better security. As most lines are buried in underground conduits, fiber is less susceptible to interruptions due to downed lines.
How fast is your internet? Run a quick internet speed test to find out!
Scalability for the Future
Fiber internet can carry far more data than it currently handles, making it highly scalable and future-proof. It maintains high speeds and low latency even as data traffic increases. The ease with which new technology integrates with existing fiber networks allows networks to scale up to meet demand. Durability is also a factor: while copper cable has an estimated lifetime of 80 years, fiber optic cables are made from polyethylene, which have a half-life of 1,200 years.
Real-World Applications of Fiber Optic Internet
With the question “how do fiber optic cables work?” answered, let’s get into what’s important: how fiber internet improves your life. Fiber internet improves your entertainment, work, education, and communication experiences.
Streaming and Entertainment
Fiber optic internet’s combination of high download speeds and low latency allows for seamless 4K video streaming and gaming, with less buffering even when multiple devices are in use. One family member can watch high-definition streaming television while another plays a graphics-intensive video game without either activity slowing the other.
Work and Learning from Home
Remote work or studies rely on smooth, efficient online collaboration through document-sharing apps, virtual libraries, and videoconferencing. Fiber optic internet speed and reliability allow you to stay on-topic and in production with no delays or internet disruptions. Video conferences are clear and crisp, and large files upload quickly and efficiently.
Smart Home Efficiency
Add too many smart home devices to DSL or cable connections, and they can overwhelm your available bandwidth. Fiber internet accommodates multiple online devices without impacting your streaming, gaming, or work activities.
Improved Communication
Online video calls help keep you in touch with remote friends and family and facilitate remote work or learning opportunities. Fiber eliminates annoying delays in audio and video that plague slower internet services.
Is Fiber Optic Internet Right for You?
Availability and Cost Considerations
While fiber internet is now available for 51.5% of US households, the required infrastructure is mainly available in urban centers. Fiber cables’ flexibility makes large-scale installations easier than copper wiring. However, the financial investment needed to develop the necessary infrastructure is high, so fiber internet is often unavailable in remote or rural communities.
Prices for fiber internet typically range from $50 to $100 depending on speed tier. A $ 50-a-month service will get you speeds of 100 – 300 Mbps. Depending on location, plans offering 1 Gbps or more cost $100 or more.
Checking Your Area for Fiber Options
As noted above, fiber optic internet is not available everywhere. Check trusted local internet providers to see if they offer fiber.
The Future of Internet Delivery
Fiber optic internet is poised to dominate the market due to its high speeds, reliability, improved security, and scalability. Curious about fiber optic internet in your area? Contact your local provider today to explore options and upgrade your online experience!