What is Fiber Optics and Why Is It Better Than Copper?
You’ve probably heard of fiber optics or copper as an ISP customer. But what do these terms mean? Which one’s better and why?
Fiber optics is a type of internet connectivity that uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as light. On the other hand, Copper internet uses electrical signals sent through copper cables to send data.
As a newer technology, fiber internet is far better than copper. Why? Find out below!
How Fiber Optics Works
So, what is fiber optics, and how does it work? Fiber internet runs on light signals through thin strands of glass or plastic.
Because these light signals travel through glass or plastic, they can cross much longer distances than electrical signals through copper. And because light can travel faster than electricity, the data can move at lightning-fast speeds.
Additionally, fiber optics cables can handle much more bandwidth than copper cables, which means more data can be sent and received at once. This means streaming, gaming, and video conferencing can be done at much higher quality and with less buffering.
How Copper Internet Works
On the other hand, Copper internet uses copper cables to transmit data. These cables are made of copper wire, a good conductor of electricity. But copper cables have a significant downside: they can only transmit data over shorter distances before the signal starts to degrade.
This is why you might have heard of “copper internet,” referring to DSL or cable internet, which are only available within a certain distance from the central hub.
Additionally, copper cables can handle less bandwidth than fiber optics cables, so the internet speeds will generally be slower.
Comparison of Fiber Optics and Copper Internet
So, how does fiber optics compare to copper internet?
Because fiber optic internet transmits data using light rather than electricity, it’s much quicker and more dependable than copper internet.
Speed
When it comes to speed, fiber optics is the clear winner. Fiber optics can theoretically reach up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), while copper internet is typically limited to around 100 megabits per second (Mbps). This means fiber optics can be 100 times faster than copper internet.
Latency
Fiber optics also has much lower latency, which gamers are particularly fond of. You’ll see less lag in online gaming or video conferencing.
Stability
Fiber optic cables also provide a more stable connection since they are less prone to interference and signal deterioration. In comparison, copper connections are more prone to electrical interference.
The Future is Fiber
The demand for faster and more reliable internet is only increasing as more people rely on the internet for work, entertainment, and communication. Fiber optic cables have a much larger capacity for data transmission than copper cables and can support faster internet speeds.
So, as you can see, fiber optics is the clear winner regarding internet connectivity. That’s why more and more people are demanding fiber optics from their ISPs. It’s not just for homes, either. Fiber optics is also the backbone of next generation technologies such as the IoT (Internet of Things).
Fiber or Copper: Recap
In conclusion, fiber optics is the superior technology for internet connectivity. It offers faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliability than copper internet.
As more and more people demand faster and more reliable internet, we’ll see more fiber optics installed. So, if you want to enjoy lightning-fast internet and streaming, gaming, and video conferencing without buffering, call us at 877-722-3833 or send us an inquiry.
