Fiber Internet is still new or unknown to a lot of people. As it slowly catches on more broadly though, it’s important for people to understand what it’s capable of, and why it is generally considered to be a superior option to cable Internet.
Comparisons between the two options can actually go on at length when one considers how they operate, who provides them, how costs differ, and so on. In terms of pure performance though, the following are the chief reasons that fiber is better than cable.
It’s More Secure
Internet security is arguably more important today than ever before. With more people working from home and trusting the Internet for the bulk of their jobs, they are increasingly reliant on protected devices and cybersecurity tips. Simply put, days spent doing business on a home network require careful attention to Internet security.
Most people wouldn’t think to extend that consideration to Internet delivery, but there are a few reasons that fiber Internet is actually more secure than cable alternatives. One is that a fiber cable is more difficult for a malicious actor to “tap” than a traditional copper cable, meaning signals going to your home are unlikely to be intercepted. Another is that damaged fiber cables are easier to recognize, and thus address, whereas problems with copper cables can be difficult to identify.
It’s Faster
It’s not exactly clear just how fast an Internet connection can be at its very best. For example, there was a story earlier this year about an Australian research team recording the fastest data speed in history—an astounding 44.2 terabits per second. This was done via a piece of equipment known as a “micro-comb,” and it speaks to the potential for blindingly fast Internet speeds in the future. Supposedly, at 44.2 Tbps, a user could “download more than 1,000 high-definition movies in less than a second.”
While this kind of speed speaks to the future though, fiber Internet represents the fastest option that is available to consumers today. Specific speeds can vary depending on the provider and the situation at hand. But by and large, fiber Internet transmits data several times faster than the average cable alternative.
Its Bandwidth Supports Modern Needs
The importance of robust bandwidth for today’s Internet usage cannot be overstated, and comes down largely to the IoT. Beyond our day-to-day phone and computer use, we now rely on a growing range of devices in our homes. These devices are outfitted with high-tech printed circuit boards, which in turn are made with the best PCD antenna design software which makes it such that ever-more-powerful antennae are placed within our devices — from phones to smart speakers, for connectivity. This software security system is for the express purpose of making them receptive to Internet signals.
In the simplest terms, better bandwidth makes us better able to take advantage of these modern, connected devices. And that’s just what fiber Internet offers above all else. Free from some of the natural limitations of copper cables, fiber can provide more bandwidth, and do so over greater distance. It can thus do a better job of supporting the range of connected devices you rely on.
It’s More Reliable
This point is sometimes ignored in favor of statistics regarding speed and bandwidth. But the fact of the matter is that traditional cable Internet — while perfectly serviceable in many cases — has been in place for so long that it’s more susceptible to mishaps. It’s for the same reason that it’s sometimes not as well equipped to support as many modern devices.
But as a piece about fiber Internet specifically for use by gamers put it, fiber boasts a more modern and recently deployed infrastructure. It was built with modern needs in mind, which not only makes it faster and more secure, but also means it’s likely to be more reliable in a majority of cases.
All in all, these points make the differences quite clear. Cable Internet can still get the job done for a lot of users. But there’s little question regarding fiber’s superiority.
Published: October 7, 2020 • Guest Author: Jane Bayfield