Many people today are choosing fiber optic internet. They know it is fast and reliable, so buffering will no longer be an issue. However, what else do they need to know before making the switch?
Table of Contents
Gigabit Speed
Speed is one reason people wish to learn more about fiber internet. Subscribers can achieve one gigabit per second, which is incredibly fast compared to the 25 to 100 megabits per second most broadband connections provide. The theoretical maximum speed is ten gigabits per second, but most subscribers don’t see this now. Who knows what the future holds?
People don’t need help getting fiber internet to reach this speed, so they benefit greatly. They can easily upload and download large files, stream movies and music without buffering, and play games without lagging. Once people see how fiber internet improves these tasks, they want to get it themselves.
Security
Hackers find it difficult to access data transmitted via fiber optic internet. Light transmits this data, so it is virtually impossible to track or intercept. People can handle sensitive tasks online without worrying about their information being stolen.
Reliability
Copper is susceptible to extreme weather and harsh conditions, while fiber optic cables are not because they don’t conduct electricity. Copper cables aren’t easily damaged by water and physical impacts, so they last longer. However, copper cables deteriorate more rapidly than fiber optic connections. Care must be taken when installing fiber optic cables. If they are going to be damaged, it is usually during the installation process, so skilled workers must handle this task.
Data Caps
Data caps are rare with fiber internet providers. Subscribers may use the internet as often as they’d like, knowing they won’t need to worry about excessive overage charges.
Upload Speeds
Most internet service providers offer fast download speeds and significantly slower upload speeds. Fiber internet offers symmetrical speeds, which means uploads and downloads happen at the same rate. People who frequently send large files or participate in video conferences benefit significantly from these speeds.
Minimal Latency
Ask any gamer what frustrates them most about playing online, and most will say latency issues. When data takes a long time to travel from point A to point B, they may lose their game. Miniscule delays can mean the difference between a win and a loss. Fiber optics have low latency, so gamers can enjoy playing once again.
Drawbacks
Consumers want to make informed decisions about their internet service. Doing so requires they have all the information, including a product’s or service’s drawbacks. Fiber internet is often more expensive than other options. However, individuals find the price easily justified by the benefits they see when they switch. Unfortunately, this service is not readily available yet. Less than half of the country can benefit from fiber internet today.
Consumers who have access to fiber internet plans find they benefit significantly from switching to one of the plans. As mentioned, the major drawback is the higher price of fiber service, but people are often surprised that the difference isn’t as significant as they imagined. It may be as little as $10 each month. A person can only know what they will pay if they ask. Reach out to a fiber internet provider today to learn about the options, the equipment required, and more. This information will make it easy to decide whether fiber suits you. Most will find it is.
