The Internet is the lifeline of any business but there are only a few people who know the difference between the existing broadband technologies. Fiber Optic and Cable are the fastest and most popular mediums or lines to deliver internet at your place. To facilitate latest multimedia apps, downloading and uploading of large size files, VOIP, playing high-end games or to handle any latest technologies, you need high speed and a reliable internet connection. Picking a right internet connection depends on many factors apart from just speed requirements. Find these vital factors and the difference between Fiber Optic and Cable Internet technologies as you read along.
What is Cable Internet
It is a high speed internet connection that is perfect for video streaming and latest data-hungry applications. The internet data travels through a coaxial cable made of copper. Cable Internet service providers include Cable TV operators who transmit both the TV signal and Internet data via a same co-axial line. The coaxial cable originates from a CMTS (cable modem terminus system) at the TV operator place and connects to a cable modem at the user’s home or office.
What is Fiber Optic
The fiber optic broadband is the emerging technology that offers many advantages over cable internet connection. This is a much faster and secure way to transfer data over longer distances without any attenuation (data loss). For installation, you need a fresh laying of cables to the office and need to be done by a professional. The cable used for communication consists of an inner core and exterior cladding. The core consists of a hair like thin glass wires hence these are also called optical cables. The data travels in the form of light in optical fiber cable which is converted to electrical signals at the user end.
Fiber Optic Vs Cable Comparison
Infrastructure
In case of Cable Broadband Internet connection, the Internet service provider uses the already laid out infrastructure that is used for TV transmission. The Cable TV service provider transmits the data over the same co-axial cable that is used for cable TV. The best part is that the two signals do not interfere with each other. So, the installation in case of Cable Internet is quick and cost-effective.
For receiving the internet over fiber optic cable you need a network of Optical cable reaching your location. The service provider will need to lay down new cables from scratch and the cost of installation is and subscription is higher than Cable Internet.
Availability
Cable Internet has a widespread network due to cable TV network which is already established in most parts across the globe. The fiber optic network, on the other hand, is comparatively a new broadband technology and may not be available at remote areas. You need to check the availability at your location before choosing a particular Internet service.
Data-Loss
Cable Internet which transmits data over copper wires is highly prone to electrical interference from power wires or high voltage equipment. During power outages, the cable internet is bound to disrupt and the same is not true about Fiber cable broadband since the fiber is made of glass and does not conduct electricity. So, fiber cable Internet is more reliable and experiences minimal data loss.
Speed
Cable Internet is considered a fast broadband Internet compared to DSL. The speed varies from 20 mbps from 100 mbps. One limitation of cable Internet is that it is being shared by the people located around you and speed often drops during peak usage hours. The fiber optic based Internet which has a capacity of travelling longer distances without any data-loss offer much higher speeds. The download and upload speeds of fiber optic Internet vary from 150mbps to 500 mbps. The fiber optic Internet maintains the same speed even on simultaneous streaming and downloading of data by multiple users.
Cost
If we compare fiber optic and cable Internet, Cable Internet is a cheaper option among the both. The primary reason is the availability of ready-made infrastructure and moreover, the Cable TV operators offer bundle deals that include TV, phone and Internet services. Riding on high speed, reliability, and high infrastructure costs, the overall subscription rate of fiber optic Internet is on the higher side.
Future Prospects
The coaxial cable network is expensive to maintain and as discussed earlier they are prone to disturbances from nearby high voltage wires or equipment. Most of the Cable TV operators have already switched to hybrid networks consisting of both coaxial and fiber cable network. Apart from low availability, fiber optic Internet has been a winner on all other parameters and is going to meet the most of the wired internet demands of business and home.