Why should you opt for fibre optic internet?
Technology has evolved, and we have come a long way from those dial-up connections, which took almost three minutes to load an average website. Gaming and video-calling would be impossible with a 56kbps dial-up connection.
Fibre optic technology has changed all of that. With fibre optic technology, we have access to faster and more reliable internet. Using multiple portable devices simultaneously without compromising on performance is no longer a dream. In this blog, we will talk about the various advantages of fibre optic internet.
What is fibre optic internet?
The telephone was invented approximately 100 years ago, and the best possible way to connect people was through copper cabling. Although copper wires are ideal for transmitting voice signals, the internet is an altogether different ball game. Until fibre optic technology arrived on the scene, nobody thought copper could be replaced.
Fibre optic technology allows data to be transmitted through thin strands of super transparent material, either glass or plastic. These cables transmit data to and fro through lasers and light signals. Fibre optic technology gained popularity in the 1970s, but it was only in the 1980s it was first used for setting up telecommunications networks. Over the years, the cost of fibre optic cables has reduced significantly.
Fibre optic cabling offers a superlative performance of over 10 GBPS. This is because fibre optic provides 1000 times more bandwidth than copper and can travel 100 times faster. Now you know why fibre optic is the King of Data Transmission.
Advantages of fibre optic internet
- Faster Cloud access
- Speedy installation
- Security
- Reliability
- Cost
- Steady signal
- Reduced latency
- Bandwidth
- Long-term benefits
- Scalability
- No throttling
- Multiple devices
Lets understand all the advantages in detail.
1.Faster Cloud access: As per Forbes findings, a staggering 83% of companies store their data on the cloud. Additionally, revenue from the Cloud sector is expected to reach $331 billion by 2022. Be it data storage, business applications, site hosting, or CRM tools, Cloud is the future. Through fibre optic internet, you can get faster access to the data and applications stored on the cloud. What does it mean for businesses? As a business, this means prompt sales service & customer service, which facilitates effective communication.
2. Speedy installation: The installation process is fast and straightforward. There are significant costs involved with fibre-optic connections, like digging trenches, laying out the network, and getting the fibre to your residence. Opting for a long-term plan will get you free installation. It is a win-win situation for both the customer and the service provider.
3. Security: Compared to wireless internet and copper wired connections; fibre optic technology is way superior. As fibre-optic cables don’t emit any radiation, it is not easy to hack into the connection or compromise the security of the same in any manner. Security breaches and cyber-attacks can hamper your reputation and finances. So, if you want to run a successful business without any hiccups, it is better to opt for a fibre-optic connection.
4. Reliability: Compared to wireless and copper wire connections, fibre optic cables ensure better transmission and uptime. Why are fibre optic cables more reliable than copper or wireless connections? The reason is simple. Fibre-optic cables are made of glass; they are better conductors than most metals. Not only that, fibre-optic cables are more impervious to electromagnetic and radio interference, crosstalk, impedance, and other complications like temperature fluctuations. Fibre optic cables are also able to withstand the elements of nature better than others.
5. Cost: Fibre optic technology has evolved tremendously over the years, resulting in cost reduction. Fibre optic cables are cheaper than before, and the price will continue to drop in the future too. Even compared to other alternatives, the cost is lesser.
For households or businesses that require extra bandwidth or network response sensitive systems, the connectivity cost is significantly lower than phone cable/wireless and other alternatives. After the installation process is complete, you get more options to connect your apps/services to the cloud, proving to be economical and scalable in the long run.
6. Steady signal: Consistent signal and seamless data transmission are what every company/internet user wants. Fibre-optic cables ensure consistency over long distances without distortion, unlike copper wires or other connections. Giant corporations, large business houses, and residential complexes can benefit from these services.
7. Reduced latency: Be it working from home or in the office, delays in data transmission are things nobody likes. With fibre-optic connections, latency or delays reduce considerably. The outcome is faster downloads and uploads and a better streaming experience (especially with HD/Blu-ray videos).
Other benefits include quick downloading of large documents/ applications/ setup files, faster cloud access, and crystal clear voice quality for voice-based services.
8. Bandwidth: Corporations and large companies require higher bandwidth because of the nature of their business. If your internet provider imposes a cap on your bandwidth, it can spell disaster for your operations. Many fibre-optic companies may boast that they offer unlimited bandwidth, but it’s not exactly an accurate statement. Despite this, the bandwidth is relatively high, and it can suffice the requirements of most organizations. (depending on the chosen plan)
Unlike other internet connections like DSL, cable, wireless, satellite, or mobile broadband, the speed does not fluctuate due to the high number of users or network congestion. What are the factors that place high demands on the internet’s bandwidth? — SIP trunking, web conferencing, HD video streaming, file sharing, and cloud applications. When websites take ages to load, videos buffer for extended periods, images and videos appear pixelated; these are signs of low bandwidth.
If your current internet connection cannot meet your business requirements, it is time to switch to fibre-optic internet.
9. Long-term benefits: Compared to copper cables, fibre optic cables are thinner and more durable; they are designed to withstand the test of time. Also, fibre optic cables have an initial set-up cost that will seem high at first, but their durability plus scalability more than makes up for the initial set-up cost.
10. Scalability: The best part about fibre-optic internet is its scalability. It is relatively easy to install new fibre-optic equipment over the existing network or even upgrade it, for that matter. Your service provider can turn off the wavelengths or even alter them as per your business needs. The instant availability, scalability of resources can help you maximize business productivity and revenue.
Moreover, you can set up a network anticipating future business needs. Hence, your fibre-optic infrastructure is sorted for the next decade or more. Even if you choose to upgrade/expand your network in the future, you can get it done without hassles.
11. No throttling: With traditional broadband services, the download and upload speeds may vary, depending on the time of the day or usage. If many customers are accessing the internet simultaneously, you may have to compromise on resource availability or performance.
This is a common occurrence with cable internet connections too. Many internet providers regulate bandwidth or speed to prevent complete stoppage. This process is called throttling. (when your internet service provider deliberately limits your internet bandwidth or speed) On the other hand, you won’t have to undergo such experiences with fibre-optic internet because it is very adaptive.
12. Multiple devices: In the present digital age, it is common practice for people to own multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, thermostats, and other IoT devices. When each family member operates their devices, it increases the need for consistent and reliable internet. Fibre optic internet can prove to be your knight in shining armour in this situation. With a steady signal, ten times more bandwidth, and next to no signal loss, fibre-optic internet emerges as a clear winner because of its ability to handle more load.
In a nutshell
As seen above, fibre-optic internet gives you plenty of benefits. There are a couple of disadvantages, like the higher installation cost, higher monthly service fees, and limited access to providers in some cases. However, when you compare it to the advantages, the cons appear negligible in comparison.
Depending on the area in which you live, fibre-optic service provider options can vary. Some providers only serve in specific neighborhoods or localities. For example, I live in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands, to be precise. Thanks to economic prosperity, outstanding infrastructure, and a stable economy, the internet in the Cayman Islands is reliable and lightning-fast.
Fibre optics in the Cayman Islands has been around since 1991. It was first used in the telephone industry, and it has made inroads into other sectors like the internet, medical, commercial, industrial, defense, and others. Despite the high installation cost, many businesses claim to have boosted their sales and productivity and achieved an impressive ROI with fibre-optic internet.
