How Does Fiber Internet Work: Connected at the Speed of Light

Fiber optics is the superior technology when it comes to the internet. It is the fastest and most reliable and therefore gaining popularity among users. Thanks to fiber internet, streamers, gamers, and people who work from home can now all be online at the same time and deal with no lagging or data caps. The Fiber Broadband Association study estimates that 43% of U.S. and 60% of Canadian households already have access to fiber internet, with numbers rising daily.  

Perhaps you, too, have decided that you’d like to upgrade your internet plan to fiber. The first step is connecting fiber to your home. This blog post explains how fiber works, how it is installed in your home, and what you should know before upgrading to this exciting high-speed technology.  

How Does Fiber Internet Work?

Fiber optic is not like copper wiring. Copper is fiber’s slower and less reliable predecessor.  Copper wires use electricity to transmit data, while optical fiber cables (OFC) use light sent through wires made of pure glass, as thin as human hair. Consequently, customers don’t lose broadband speed or capacity during peak usage times as they do with copper. Your home will have a dedicated internet signal with symmetrical download and upload speeds. 

How Does Fiber Internet Connect to Your Home? 

Fiber optic cable runs via an aerial or underground drop to the ‘clamshell’ that the technician installs outside your home. This clamshell houses the fiber cable that goes through the wall and connects to the optical network terminal (ONT). The ONT converts the laser light signal from the fiber into an electrical signal. Then, a wire cable (CAT5 or CAT6) connects the terminal to the router or modem.

What Should You Do Before Getting Fiber?

Connecting fiber internet to your home will require almost no effort from you. The ISP technicians do most of the heavy lifting. 

To prepare for fiber internet installation, consider the following points: 

• Decide where the router is going to be. Put it where the signal will be the strongest. Think central location in your home. If you need help with this, your technician will be happy to make a recommendation. 
• Think about the best time for installation. You don’t necessarily need to be home when technicians install the clamshell outside of your home. Many users schedule the installation when they’re home, but don’t need to use the internet. Your ISP will help schedule a time that works for you. 
• Use your ISP’s router. That way, they can help you with maintenance and schedule updates. Plus, they will be responsible for replacing it if it breaks down. 
• Create your username and password. Don’t keep the router’s default password. Make it unique and include at least eight characters; a mix of numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and special characters. 

Conclusion

Fiber internet has taken the world by storm thanks to its speed and reliability. It’s quickly becoming the most popular internet technology on the market. And the best part? Installing fiber internet at your home is stress-free and quick. All you need to do is decide where you will place your router and be home when the technicians come to install it. 

Are you interested in setting your home up with fiber internet? Contact our specialists at 877-722-3833 or send us an inquiry, and we will help you pick the right service.