We have reached a point where information can be delivered from point A to point B almost instantly. Our devices are constantly evolving and so does the way we transfer data. New and emerging technologies require more and more performance when it comes to running applications which also require high-speed internet. Cable internet access has done a great job in delivering a decent internet performance, however, fiber optic cables are now starting to become the standard. But what makes it so special compared to regular cable?
Great Performance
Because of the increasing demand for higher bandwidth, fiber optic cables are a great alternative to regular cables. Fiber optic cables have proven to be very capable of delivering high performances with the only limiting factor being the device it is connected to. Because of the decreased latency of fiber cables, download and upload speeds are far greater and the data can be carried long distances without interruption.
A great benefit is that fiber optics do not have a data cap but its performance will still vary a bit depending on the manufacturing process of the fibers. To have a general idea of internet speeds, fiber optics can deliver from 500Mbs to as high as 1000Mbs, compared to regular internet cables which can only deliver between 5 and 25Mbs.
No Latency and Equal Speed
Latency, a professional gamer’s worst enemy, is a term used to describe the slow processing of data via internet connection. The slow process will result in the delay of data transfer. With fiber optic cable, latency is almost non-existent. Latency can still be present in fibers. The way that fiber optics transmits signals is through light waves which means that more information can be delivered and communicating is much more efficient. Light travels the fastest in a vacuum, however, when it comes to traveling through the fiber itself, it will be bit slower but unnoticeable to us.
Because light is used to transfer information, this makes using fiber optic much safer than other cables that use electricity to transfer data. Symmetric speed can also be achieved with the help of fiber optic cable which means that download and upload speed remain constantly the same. For the average person, this may not be something of interest, as this is mainly a requirement for businesses requiring high download and upload speeds.
Resistant and Safe
In addition to delivering high bandwidth, it is also more resistant to harsh weather conditions. The cables can withstand bad weather, moisture and because it contains no metallic elements, it can withstand even lighting. The materials used in making these cables is glass and plastic which are materials that do not conduct electricity. This is a huge benefit for using the said cables, especially in part of the world where bad weather occurs frequently. Also, fiber optics are less susceptible to temperature fluctuations.
Unlike a regular internet cable, data transferred through optic fibers do not radiate signals which makes it harder to hack and as soon as any breach is detected, it can be easily identifiable. Therefore, it is the most secure way to transfer data. Because of the higher demand in internet speeds, fiber optics cables are becoming used by the majority. This type of wiring is becoming the standard and installation costs are decreasing. Compared to copper, fiber optics usually lasts longer and it eliminates the need to re-cable in to achieve higher performance.
