BrittanyFiber optic leverages light signals sent through plastic fibers or thin glass to offer lightning-fast internet speeds, reduced latency, and more reliability versus traditional copper-based internet connections.
Fortune Business Insights reports that the worldwide fiber optics market was worth $8.22 billion last year. The space is on pace to expand from $8.96 billion this year to $17.84 billion by 2032 — resulting in a 10.3% compound annual growth rate during the forecast period.
The internet has become an essential part of daily life for many. It’s become a must-have rather than merely a nice-to-have utility.
But remember that selecting the right internet type is vital if you value efficiency, speed, and reliability. The gold standard for all of the above is fiber optic internet. But what makes it ideal for high-speed internet connectivity?
Consider these five key things you should know about fiber optic internet.
1. Fiber Optic Internet is Fast
Fiber optic networks have speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps. The range you get will depend on your location and the internet service provider you sign on with. Unlike DSL and cable internet connections, fiber features symmetrical speeds. That means the upload and download speeds are the same. You’ll notice the difference when engaging in cloud computing, video conferencing, and online gaming. So, if speed is paramount, consider fiber optic internet.
2. Fiber Optic is Reliable
Fiber cables use light signals rather than electrical signals. That’s important because using light signals means fiber optic cables are less impacted by interference from inclement weather, electromagnetic fields, or nearby electronic devices. Since they’re less impacted by outside forces, so to speak, they tend to be more stable versus traditional copper-based connections.
Whether using the internet at work or home, you’ll want a reliable connection to maximize uptime and minimize downtime.
3. Fiber Optic is Widely Available — But It’s Not Available Everywhere
As was mentioned earlier, fiber optic internet deployment is growing considerably worldwide. While that’s the case, it’s not available everywhere. That’s particularly true in rural regions where the infrastructure rollout is occurring at a slower pace.
You’ll find that fiber optic internet is widely available in big metropolitan areas and urban centers.
4. Fiber Optic Often Costs More Than Other Types of Internet
When looking at different types of internet, you’ll likely see that fiber optic internet options in your areas are more costly than other options. That said, the price premium is usually negligible, and the gap has narrowed as the deployment of fiber optic internet climbs.
You can often get reasonable prices if you opt for bundled deals. Doing so can lower fiber optic internet costs. Considering the benefits of going with fiber optic over other kinds of internet, you’ll find that the modest price premium is worth it. It can make for a more enjoyable internet usage experience for you and yours.
5. Fiber Optic Improves Online Security
Statista reports that in the third quarter of last year, nearly 94 million records were inappropriately accessed because of online data breaches in the U.S. Online security is a hot-button issue. The good news is that fiber optic internet can help enhance online security. It can do so because fiber transmits data through light rather than electrical signals — so it’s much more difficult to intercept that data compared to copper cables. That means data is more secure if you need to transmit top-secret or otherwise confidential information.
Fiber optic internet is the quickest and most dependable broadband technology available today. So, it wins hands-down if you need the best internet type for your home or business. As fiber networks continue to expand, more people will be able to enjoy this cutting-edge technology.
