Copper Cable or Fiber-optics? This is one of the most common questions asked by business owners as these are the most popular choices in the IT industry. A good internet connection is essential for businesses in this digital age, where everything from accounts to sales is online. The internet connection you choose for your business doesn’t only impact your satisfaction but also of your customers and partners.
A typical household internet user might not need to know the different types and options of connections. However, business owners must understand the difference between various types of internet connections to determine which one suits your business needs. In this article, we will discuss the two most popular options: Copper Cable and Fiber-Optic internet.
What is Cable Internet?
Cable internet transmits an internet connection via a cable designed with copper and aluminum, covered with a plastic sheath. Relying on this cable entirely, it is easy to presume the average speed of the internet connection.
The proficiency of a cable system depends on the sizes of the cable and consequently demands from its users to make enough space for it to allow maximum output. As it makes use of a cable, it is highly susceptible to environmental damage and, therefore, frequently affects the quality of the internet connection.
What is Fiber-Optic Network?
A fiber-optic network is transmitted via a fiber made of glass or plastic entirely. Light transmits the data at a much faster speed and can handle larger connectivity requirements. Due to which it does not depend on its size in order to provide more speed and efficiency.
Fiber optics do not require a modem or any other associated devices. It is independent of electricity and is therefore not affected by any voltage changes.
Cable Network vs. Fiber-Optic Network
Let’s compare these two options side by side.
Reliability
Some of the common factors that cause outages in cable internet are temperature fluctuations, moisture, electromagnetic and radio interferences, and even severe weather conditions. These can cause loss of connectivity, and cable wires also come with a fire hazard as it carries an electric current.
Fiber-optic signals, on the other hand, don’t get disrupted by radio or electromagnetic interference. Hence, they are more reliable than cable. Also, fiber-optic is a passive system, which means that they don’t require power, therefore, in case of a power outage, your fiber-optic connection will not go down, and you can enjoy fast internet.
Availability
The cable is accessible just about everywhere. If you can access a television network, you can access cable internet. Your television service provider can install the connection for you. The fiber-optic network is not easily accessible like cable but is becoming very common, especially in metropolitan areas and cities.
The fiber-optic network requires the installation of new cables; thus, it will take time before it becomes available in rural areas. However, if your business is in the metro then consult a fiber-optic Dubai based provider for a reliable internet connection.
Speed
Cable internet has a download speed of about 20-300 Mbps and upload speed of 7-20 Mbps. Latency ranges from 25 to 500 milliseconds. This broadband speed is enough for small-scale businesses and home but not for IT companies and companies with high IT needs and infrastructure.
But do remember that with cable internet, you are sharing your connection with your neighbors, which might slow down the speed of the internet as more customers are using it. Fiber-optic, in comparison, is amazingly fast with a download speed of 150 Mbps up to 500 Mbps with upload range of 65 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
Bandwidth
Copper cable and TDM technology are limited when it comes to bandwidth because it was initially designed for only voice calls. Connection over cable is also limited by distance. On the other hand, fiber-optic increases your bandwidth potential. Fiber-optic offers internet speed up to 10Gbps with equal upload and download bandwidth.
Cost
The one-time investment in fiber-optic is higher than a copper cable connection. To some, it may seem that fiber-optic is more expensive than cable, but the total cost of ownership (TCO) of fiber in the long term is lower. Why? Because fiber-optic is more durable, hence, cheaper to maintain, and it also requires less hardware as compared to copper cable.
Thus, fiber-optic is a cost-efficient option for businesses of all sizes and types. Cable internet ranges from $25 to $100 per month. Fiber-optic starts at around $100 to $300 per month. To help you determine the best fiber-optic network for your business and different options, contact Fiber-optic UAE providers today and make your life easier while enjoying a high-quality internet.
Invest in Fiber-Optic Internet
While the IT needs of your company may vary, the fiber-optic network is the best choice for your business. Due to its advantages, fiber-optic is becoming a popular choice for businesses and buying fiber optic guide in all industries. Companies that have invested in a fiber-optic internet connection have seen noticeable gains in terms of high speed, greater bandwidth, and a decrease in costs.
So, if you want to enjoy a fast internet connection that is more reliable with higher bandwidth, then fiber-optic may be the best choice for you!