When the skies darken and storms threaten, exposed internet and other utility lines such as power and cable television commonly blink or drop service completely.
Households using traditional cable or DSL internet connections are most susceptible to the slow speeds, interruptions and complete outages common in severe weather. But fiber-optic internet users often experience a different story.
Fiber internet is renowned for its reliability, even in adverse weather conditions. But what makes it so dependable? Let’s take a closer look.
The technology behind fiber internet
Fiber-optic internet uses light signals transmitted through very thin glass or plastic fibers, as opposed to electrical signals traveling through copper cables. This distinction is essential to its durability.
Immunity to electromagnetic interference
Unlike copper cables, fiber optics are not affected by electromagnetic interference during thunderstorms because they do not conduct electricity. As a result, they are resistant to lightning strikes and power surges that can disrupt traditional internet connections.
Buried infrastructure
When fiber-optic cables are buried underground (as C Spire does), they are protected from high winds, falling branches and other physical damage caused by severe weather.
Durable materials
The outer layers of fiber-optic cables are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture and even some physical wear.
Why weather affects cable and DSL
Older internet technologies like cable and DSL rely on copper wires to transmit data. These connections are more vulnerable to weather-related disruptions due to:
Water intrusion
Heavy rain can cause water to seep into junction boxes, leading to signal degradation or outages.
Power dependency
DSL and cable internet often rely on power for signal amplification. If power outages occur during storms, the connection may fail.
Signal degradation
Long copper cables can experience signal loss over distance, which worsens during adverse weather conditions due to increased resistance or interference.
Benefits of fiber internet in bad weather
Here’s how fiber-optic technology keeps your connection stable.
Consistent speeds
Even during storms, fiber internet delivers steady upload and download speeds, ensuring smooth streaming, gaming and video conferencing.
Resilience against outages
Since fiber-optic cables don’t conduct electricity, they’re far less likely to experience outages caused by lightning strikes or electrical surges.
Lower maintenance needs
The durability of fiber cables means fewer weather-related repairs, ensuring consistent uptime for users.
The next time a storm rolls through, rest assured that with fiber internet, you’ll likely stay connected — rain or shine.
