Pros and Cons of Fiber Optic Internet

Understanding Fiber Optic Technology 

Fiber optic technology covers expansive distances while still providing reliable, rapid, and secure internet. Traditional internet technology that uses copper wires, like DSL and cable, loses signal strength over great distances, making it slower and more prone to congestion.

Optical fibers bundled together to form cables carry light signals and transmit data down the line. These hair-sized fibers don’t use the typical electrical currents or telephone lines, resulting in lower latency and improved reliability.

Benefits of Fiber Optic Internet 

Fiber technology has revolutionized how we access the internet and communicate. It has many advantages, from delivering lightning-fast internet and robust bandwidth to providing greater reliability and security. Here are some key benefits of switching to fiber optic internet:

• High-speed internet and bandwidth. Fiber optics delivers fast data transfer rates, delivering symmetrical speeds with download and uploads ranging from 5 Mbps to 5 Gbps. Maintaining consistent speed without lag is critical for businesses with large data transfers. The high bandwidth connects multiple devices and performs high-demand tasks, streams, and downloads simultaneously. 
• Reliable connections and less downtime. Businesses need a stable and constant internet connection without interruptions to operate. Fiber optics is resistant to weather-related issues and electromagnetic interference (EMI), unlike traditional copper cable systems, which are more susceptible. This resistance to external environmental factors reduces downtime and can save businesses costs related to productivity and operations.
• Better signal strength over longer distances. Optic networks are known for maintaining a strong signal strength even over far distances without degrading. This distance allows businesses and corporations to maintain communications at length. While attenuation and dispersion can impact transmission distance, most fibers can effectively transmit up to 62 miles. This extensive range can help connect industries and extend the Internet to more rural locations.
• Enhanced data security. What sets fiber cables apart from traditional copper cables is their inherent resistance to electromagnetic interference. This makes them less vulnerable to hacking attempts and disruptions due to how they transmit data through light pulses.
• Future-proofing your internet. Fiber optic technology helps reduce latency and improve performance with faster data processing and increased responsiveness. Real-time data transmission in commercial and business environments depends on reliable and quick communication. As higher speeds become necessary, optic connections provide faster Internet and can transmit large amounts of data, scaling resources up and down as needed.

Want to make sure your business is secure? Check out our cybersecurity audit checklist to check for vulnerabilities and security controls.

Potential Drawbacks of Fiber Optic Internet 

While fiber optics offers many advantages for businesses, there are a few limitations to consider. These challenges range from the initial setup to relying on electricity to power the optical network terminal (ONT) and router. These factors could lead to long-term inconveniences and affect the practicality of fiber optic technology for businesses.

• Installation challenges and cost. Installing fiber optics is complex and expensive. If not correctly connected, the signal can be compromised. The fragile nature of these cables makes them vulnerable to damage during installation and during future construction or renovation.
• Limited availability. Laying fiber optic cables involves a lot of planning, from extensive planning, trenching, and cabling to infrastructure work, making it time-consuming and costly. The availability of fiber optics is typically limited by geographical and logistical challenges, especially during installation. Mountainous regions or areas with rugged physical environments make running fiber cables and installation more difficult due to topography and costs.
• Difficulties in repairing and handling. Fiber optic cables are delicate and more susceptible to physical damage during installation. Unlike traditional copper cables, fiber cables, if cut, can’t be twisted or crimped together. They must be removed and carefully spliced, which requires specialized, expensive equipment and skilled technicians.
• Reliability on electrical power. Fiber optics also relies on an ONT and a WiFi router, both of which rely on electrical power. In the event of a power outage, using a backup power supply can keep the router and the ONT operational. Businesses without adequate backup power will experience downtime and disruptions, leading to productivity losses and potential impacts on revenue.

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Comparing Fiber Optic with Other Forms of Internet 

So, just how does fiber optics stack up against DSL, satellite, and cable? Here’s a closer look at how fiber optics compares to other common types of internet connections:

Versus DSL 

A digital subscriber line (DSL) is a fixed connection that relies on copper telephone lines to deliver internet. While it’s available in many areas, including rural communities, it’s exceptionally slower than other types of internet. It’s a lower-cost option, and the connection can degrade over long distances. DSL upload speeds range from 256 Kbps to 100 Mbps, with download speeds of 1 to 100 Mbps, which are significantly slower than fiber optics.

Versus Satellite 

Satellite coverage is widely available since it doesn’t need the same infrastructure as other types of internet technology. Unfortunately, this comes with the drawback of high latency, affecting real-time activities like video conferencing. Satellite technology can also be disrupted due to weather. This type of internet uses a dish to communicate with satellites orbiting above Earth, and any weather between the two can interfere with the signal. Satellite is much slower than fiber, with upload speeds ranging from 3 to 5 Mbps and 12 to 100 Mbps download speeds. 

Versus Cable 

Cable internet is delivered through coaxial cables and is known for its fast, high-speed capabilities. Like DSL, the performance can be affected and become congested during peak hours, depending on the amount of users sharing the connection. This can lead to bottlenecks and fluctuating speeds. Faster than other internet technologies, cable upload speeds range from 5 to 50 Mbps with download speeds of 10 to 500 Mbps.

Fiber optics offers many advantages for corporate IT executives and managers needing high-speed internet and reliable connectivity across extensive corporate networks. It ensures minimal downtime, consistent performance, operational efficiency, and high productivity. While the initial transition may pose certain challenges in terms of installation and maintenance, it can effectively connect business locations while optimizing costs and resources.

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