Fiber internet has changed the way how people perceive internet connection. Being the fastest internet globally, it has become the most sought-after internet type, but unfortunately, the least available one. With a single line, it can transport multiple terabits per second; this is far faster than cable and dial-up, as well as significantly more efficient than dial-up.
What is Fiber Internet
In this article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty aspects of fiber internet and how it became the fastest internet known to humankind.
How Fiber Internet Works
Fiber internet is powered by fiber optic technology that works by transmitting a beam of light through fiber optic glass cables, hence the name ‘fiber internet.’ Fiber optic cables are made up of hundreds of small strands of glass or plastic about 1/10th the size of a single human hair. Each strand of the fiber cable transmits data that travels nearly at the speed of light. This process allows us to transfer information faster than other types of internet that use satellite signals or copper cables.
Essentially, fiber optic cables can transmit data faster than copper cables; that’s why fiber internet plans offer superior speeds over all of its competitors.
Additionally, as data can travel over a wider range of frequencies on fiber-optic connections, it also provides increased bandwidth. Signals transmitted by fiber cables are significantly less susceptible to being intercepted or stolen and are substantially more durable and resistant to environmental hazards.
How Fast Is Fiber Internet?
Let’s take a quick look at how other internet connections compare to what fiber internet can offer.
| Minutes | Approx. File Size | 1Gbps Fiber Internet | 100Mbps Cable Internet | 25Mbps DSL Internet |
| 4-minute audio | 4MB | 0.03 second | 0.03 second | 1 second |
| 9-hour audiobook | 120MB | 0.9 second | 9 seconds | 36 seconds |
| 45-minute show | 200MB | 1 second | 16 seconds | 1 minute 7 seconds |
| 2-hour movie | 1.25GB | 12 seconds | 2 minutes 8 seconds | 8 minutes 35 seconds |
| 2-hour HD film | 4.5GB | 38 seconds | 6 minutes 26 seconds | 25 minutes 46 seconds |
If you’re a heavy user of the internet or you live with people who usually stream HD movies, play online games, and download big files, it’s best to opt for a fiber internet connection. However, it’s always recommended to choose the most reputable providers, like Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and Google Fiber.
Limitations of Fiber Internet
While fiber internet always has a reputation for being mighty, it still has limitations—one reason why many people do not still have the fastest internet in their homes. The most common reason why fiber internet is still uncommon, even in a first country like the United States, and it’s because of the cost.
Fiber is significantly more expensive to install than other types of internet. However, once all infrastructures are already built, it won’t justify the high cost of fiber plans. The 20 to 100 Mbps speed offered by cable internet providers is typically sufficient for the majority of users, as most internet downloads and uploads will not exceed that connection.
Your speed will only be as fast as the weakest link, and you may not experience an increase in actual download speeds due to server limitations, even though fiber optic is far superior to copper. On a 1000 Mbps fiber connection, it may appear that an app like Epic Games downloading a 10 GB game would take only a few seconds, but in all honesty, you will only receive roughly 50 Mbps maximum speed from Epic Games’ servers.
Is Fiber Internet Best for Me?
Fiber internet is more stable and faster since it uses the latest technology. A 100 Mbps fiber internet package may not meet your needs, but it is likely to be more reliable and faster than a 100 Mbps DSL or cable internet plan. Additionally, fiber internet provides similar download and upload speeds that cable and DSL internet don’t have.
So, if you’re subscribed to a 300Mbps fiber plan, you should have an upload speed of 300Mbps as well. Large files and frequent video calls benefit greatly from faster upload rates, making fiber internet an ideal option for those who work or study remotely.
To answer your question, we say yes. If fiber internet is available in your location, we highly recommend you go for it as it can benefit everyone, starting with its incredible speeds. It’s also not as expensive as before, so costs should not be a major issue, especially if you’re currently subscribed to cable internet.
What are the Differences Between Fiber Internet and Other Types of Internet?
The key differences between Fiber Internet, DSL, and Cable Internet:
| Feature | Fiber Internet | DSL | Cable Internet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | High | Moderate | High |
| Reliability | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bandwidth | High | Limited | High |
| Symmetrical Speeds | Yes | No | No |
| Distance Limitations | Fewer limitations | Limited | Few limitations |
This table provides a quick overview of the distinctive features of each type of internet, aiding in making an informed decision based on individual needs and preferences.
Also read: Best Internet Providers Based on User Experiences.
Fiber Optic Internet: The Future of Broadband
The future of the fiber optic internet is bright. With the world being more heavily reliant on broadband day by day, it won’t be long until fiber internet outperforms all its competitors. So, if you’re fortunate enough to be covered by fiber internet, don’t waste the opportunity and check the available fiber internet providers and start comparing them.
