(866) 996-2797What is Fiber Internet?
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Fiber internet or fiber-optic internet is a popular type of internet service in our time. More than 50% of households in the US are eligible for a fiber connection and the network is rapidly expanding. It is said to be the fastest kind of internet connection you can get right now.
Fiber-optic is frequently chosen by users who prefer high-speed and low-latency internet. Whether you’re looking for an internet connection to power your home or support a business, reliability matters. So, is Fiber Internet worth the hype? Let’s find out…
Introduction to Fiber Internet
Fiber internet is a type of broadband connection that delivers internet service via fiber-optic cables. These cables consist of ultra-thin strands of glass or plastic at the core, which transmit data in the form of light signals over long distances.
Traditional wired internet (cable internet) uses copper or coaxial cables to transmit data in the form of electric signals. Since the speed of light is quite high, data can travel much faster through a fiber-optic cable – even though the speed is reduced by approximately 30% due to refraction within the cable.
Brief History of Fiber Internet
The use of fiber-optic technology in telecommunications dates back to the 1970s. A fiber cable network was first laid under the sea in 1988 to connect the US and Europe.
Today, fiber optics are the backbone of internet services in most developed regions across the globe. They have replaced old copper lines in many places and the network continues to grow.
Learn more about the evolution of Internet technology here:
The History of the Internet - From Dial-Up to Fiber OpticsHow Does Fiber Internet Work?
Fiber internet may reach your home through an aerial or underground cable system. How you connect to the fiber network depends on the existing infrastructure in your area. The fiber-optic cable that runs through the wall connects to an optical network terminal (ONT) device installed at your house (by the ISP).
The ONT device converts the incoming light signals to electric signals that are transferred to your router via ethernet or copper cable. Similarly, outgoing electric signals from your router are converted to light signals by the ONT.
Types of Fiber Connections
- Fiber to the premise (FTTP)
The consumer’s home is directly connected to the ISP via an optic fiber cable, which provides the fastest internet. - Fiber to the building (FTTB):
Fiber internet from the ISP enters at a single point near an apartment building and is further distributed via coaxial cables; this slightly reduces overall speeds. - Fiber to the neighborhood (FTTN):
Fiber-optic cable from the ISP connects to a central utility pole or cabinet in the neighborhood. From there, coaxial cables run to the consumer homes, so the internet is slower.
Fiber vs. Cable and DSL
Cable and DSL internet are assumed as the “tried and true” options for residential use - they have been around longer, so how does fiber internet compete?
We’ll compare the three types of internet connections in terms of speed, availability, latency, cost, and overall performance to help you decide.
Fiber
Speed
Fiber internet can offer download and upload speeds up to 100 Gbps. Most ISPs offer up to 2 Gbps for residential use and some up to 5 Gbps as well.
Availability
The fiber network is limited to metropolitan areas for now, but coverage continues to expand.
Latency
Fiber internet has the lowest latency, ranging from 1 – 7ms on average.
Cost
Fiber internet can be expensive initially, as installation may require the replacement of an older infrastructure.
However, it is cost-effective in the long run and affordable internet plans are available in most service areas.
Overall Performance
Fiber internet provides the fastest and consistent speeds, regardless of peak times.
Most ISPs do not impose data caps and you get ample bandwidth, which allows you to connect a large number of devices.
Cable
Speed
Cable internet can provide download speeds of up to 1 Gbps and the average upload speeds are up to 35 Mbps.
Availability
About 85% of households in the US have access to high-speed cable internet, making it the most widely available option.
Latency
The latency of cable internet ranges from 5 – 40ms, which is pretty decent.
Cost
Cable internet uses a coaxial cable, similar to that used for cable TV; hence, installation is easy.
Cable internet is widely available throughout the country, and internet plans are relatively cheaper.
Overall Performance
Cable internet can provide good value for money, but upload speeds are generally low.
You may experience speed throttling during peak usage hours or when you exceed your data limit.
DSL
Speed
DSL internet is relatively slower, reaching a maximum download speed of 100 Mbps and upload speed of 20 Mbps only.
Availability
DSL has been replaced by faster cable internet in most areas, but it’s still a viable option in rural regions.
Latency
DSL has a higher average latency ranging between 10 – 70ms.
Cost
DSL is a somewhat outdated internet technology that uses a telephone line.
It is an affordable internet option, though the overall cost varies by location.
Overall Performance
Speeds are limited with DSL, but the connection is reliable, and overall performance is consistent.
Even though it is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, bandwidth issues are rare.
Detailed Comparison: Cable vs. Fiber Internet: Which One to Choose?
Benefits of a Fiber-optic Connection
We all need to change or upgrade our lives with the passage of time. You may have had a good run with your current ISP + internet plan, and it’s okay that you feel it’s time to move on now.
We all have our doubts about new things, so any reluctance over trading in your old internet connection for fiber-optic technology is understandable. Perhaps, an overview of the benefits associated with shifting to fiber will help make up your mind.
1) Superior and Symmetrical Speeds
With fiber internet on your side, you can download and upload content faster than ever. Files that took hours to download/upload can be done in minutes, and waiting times spanning minutes will be reduced to seconds.
No other type of internet connection gives you symmetrical speeds, i.e. equivalent download and upload speeds – this makes it ideal for all kinds of data-heavy activities. You can sign up for a multi-gig speed plan to experience the fastest internet across all your devices.
2) More Bandwidth, No Throttling
Fiber-optic cables are designed to provide faster and wider data transmission as opposed to traditional copper cables. They are resistant to electromagnetic interference and carry much more bandwidth to support a greater number of devices without compromising on speed.
Traditional forms of internet experience speed throttling during peak hours or when there is too much traffic on the network. Fiber internet lets you stream, download, and play without delay at all times.
3) Enhanced Security
Signing up for a secure internet connection is fundamental to protecting oneself from cyberattacks. Fiber cables are much more difficult to hack compared to conventional copper cables, so consider an extra layer of insulation against cybercriminals.
Fast internet technologies like 5G have certain controversies attached to them. Many people believe that 5G signals can be harmful to health, but you’ll find no such bad press linked to fiber-optic technology.
4) Cost-Effective
Installation and set up of fiber internet at your place may require a significant investment upfront, but it sure does pay off in the long run. For starters, unwaveringly fast and reliable internet will increase your productivity and save you precious time.
Additionally, fiber-optic technology is more durable than traditional copper cables; it is a lot less susceptible to interference and damage caused by weather conditions. Low maintenance and reduced requirements for repairs/replacement will save you a great deal of money over time.
5) Quality and Consistency
Truth be told, fiber is the way to go if you seek fast and seamless connectivity. You can enjoy maximum uptime and uniform speeds on multiple devices simultaneously. Switching to fiber means fewer outages, low ping (during data-heavy operations), and a smoother online experience.
I must add that fiber-optic cables are energy-efficient, which makes them eco-friendlier than traditional kinds. Fiber internet technology is here to stay, so transitioning to it at this point in time would be a wise decision.
Top Fiber Internet Providers in the United States
Should I Switch to Fiber?
Despite the unrivaled reliability and benefits, fiber internet is not ideal or necessary for every household/individual. If you are content with your current internet situation, you don’t need to upgrade to a fiber internet plan.
Switching to Fiber is recommended when:
- You’re struggling with slow speeds and connectivity issues
- You want low-latency internet for online gaming, video conferencing, live streaming, etc.
- You need more bandwidth to accommodate additional users/devices on the network
- You want to experience higher-quality audio/video without holdups
Still can’t decide?
Check out: Why Should You Choose Fiber Internet?
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is Fiber Internet? 
Most fiber internet providers are offering up to 2 Gbps speed in their residential plans, but some can provide up to 10 Gbps speed in select areas.
Is Fiber Internet faster than 5G?
Both Fiber and 5G technology are capable of providing high-speed internet. However, fiber internet guarantees a more stable connection and consistent speeds.
Is Fiber Internet the same as Fiber-rich Internet?
“Fiber-rich internet” is a term used by cable internet providers, which usually entails that their networks are partially powered by fiber-optic technology. Nonetheless, this is not true fiber internet; you can differentiate the two by checking for symmetrical speeds – only true fiber can offer equal download and upload speeds.
Is Fiber Internet expensive?
Fiber internet can be expensive, given the tools and equipment involved in its setup and installation. For most service areas, it costs more than cable internet; then again, it offers more value for your money.
Does Fiber Internet have Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can use Wi-Fi with your fiber internet connection as with other traditional types of connections. You can create a Wi-Fi network with your router or gateway device.
Why is Fiber Internet not available where I live?
The fiber network is steadily expanding across the US, but it is mainly prominent among big cities for now. If you live in a small town or rural area, you may not have access to fiber-optic technology yet. We suggest looking into other internet options near you.
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