When home internet access was a new curiosity, providers connected homes to the web over phone or cable TV lines. In fact, DSL services still use phone landlines to transmit data. Cable is only marginally better, but its speeds top out where fiber-fed internet begins.
As streaming, gaming, remote work and smart devices proliferate, the demand for robust internet infrastructure continues to grow. Among the various technologies available, fiber-optic internet stands out for its exceptional resilience to slowdowns. But what exactly gives fiber-optic internet its edge?
Let’s explore the science behind this game-changing and future-proof technology.
Speed of light transmission
Fiber-optic internet uses thin glass or plastic fibers to transmit data as light pulses. Unlike copper cables that use electrical signals, fiber optics leverage light speed for data delivery and can carry large amounts of information over long distances. Copper wire, originally intended for transmitting simple voice data over short distances, can't handle the data loads we're accustomed to sending today.
High bandwidth capacity
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be downloaded or uploaded from a connected device. Fiber-optic networks offer greater bandwidth capacity compared to traditional DSL or cable connections. They can manage higher volumes of simultaneous data transfers without significant slowdowns. This makes them suitable for multiple devices streaming 4K video or for households with several gamers, as fiber-optic networks can handle the load efficiently.
Immunity to electromagnetic interference
Copper cables are prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby electronic devices or power lines, which can degrade signal quality and cause a slowdown in speed. Fiber-optic cables, on the other hand, are immune to EMI because they transmit light rather than electricity. This ensures reliable data transmission.
Low signal degradation
One of the significant advantages of fiber-optic technology is its ability to maintain signal strength over long distances. Traditional copper cables suffer from signal attenuation and require repeaters to boost the signal periodically. Fiber-optic cables, meanwhile, allow data to travel much farther without compromising speed or quality — about 25 miles versus just 330 feet for cable.
Dedicated connections
Many fiber-optic internet providers offer dedicated connections to users. Unlike shared cable networks where multiple households share bandwidth, a dedicated fiber connection ensures that your speeds remain consistent, regardless of your neighbors’ usage.
The future belongs to fiber. Ready to give it a try? Check your address for availability now.