Are you looking into getting Internet installed at your home or business, and considering a fiber Internet service provider? If so, you may want to know more about this alternative to cable Internet if it is available in your area.

Fiber Internet Is Faster Than Cable Internet

The biggest advantage that you are going to see with a fiber Internet connection is that the speeds are going to be much faster than a cable Internet connection. This includes both upload and download speeds since cable Internet providers typically have a cap on how fast you can upload. Cable Internet prioritized download speeds over upload speeds and bonds fewer cables together for uploading data.

While data can transfer over copper wires just fine for normal uses, there is a limit to how fast data can transfer over copper. It may be fine for some people, but can be a bit limiting if you need faster speeds. 

Fiber Cable Transmits Data With Light

What makes fiber Internet so unique is that it used flexible glass fibers to transmit data with light. You may think that this sounds incredibly futuristic, but the way it works is quite simple to explain. 

Fiber gables use multiple strands of fiber that are no bigger than a strand of hair, which are then put in a reflective cladding. That cladding helps the light reflect through the cable and go around bends without losing speed over a long distance. The cladding also helps prevent the fibers from breaking, since they have plenty of protection to take on the normal wear and tear of being installed.

Fiber Cable Is Cheaper Than Copper Cable

Many cable providers use the copper wires already in place to deliver Internet to your home since those are the same copper wires that can be used to deliver cable TV. However, copper wires are actually more expensive than fiber wires. The reason that fiber Internet is not more common is that the infrastructure is not built yet to support it. As more communities get a fiber infrastructure put in place, they'll be able to provide fiber Internet to the residents and businesses. 

Fiber Cable Is More Energy Efficient Than Copper Cable

Another reason that fiber is a popular choice for new cabling infrastructures is that it is a more energy-efficient way to transmit data. Fiber does not require a high-powered transmitter to push data through the cable, and the cable does not get hot as a result.