Fibre Optic Vs Broadband
Internet connections as a core value to human existence has improved our lives and well being through so many methods. Devices are connected to the internet in many ways and for different purposes, all to provide global solutions. The connection methods of focus here is the fiber optic network and broadband. So if you have been contemplating on which is the best internet connection to use between fiber optic and broadband, just keep reading.
What Is Fiber Optic Network?
Fiber optic otherwise known as “optical fiber” is a medium of technology associated with transmitting informations as light pulses through strands of glass or plastic. Fiber optics transmits information in form of “photons”, that is, light particles that throbs through a cable towards a long distance with no boundaries to the distance of transmission or any form of interruptions until the message is received and decoded. The fiber optic converts information and data into flashes of light and pulse it through a strand of fiber (optical fiber). When the message reaches destination, it returns back to its initial form. So basically, fiber optic is used to hold up communication between two ends through the transmission of light. But if a fiber experience any form electromagnetic interference during transmission, the metal wires will suffer greatly.
Advantages Of Fiber Optic Network
- Strong signal over long distance
- High security
- Resistance to interference
- Light weight
- High bandwidth
- Small size cable
- High speed connections
Disadvantages Of Fiber Optic Network
- Fiber optic cables are difficult to install, if not handled with outmost care, it can break.
- It is very expensive.
- Attenuation and dispersion occurs when distance of transmission gets longer.
What Is A Broadband Network System?
Broadband network is the most used type of internet service because of its accessible nature and speed that is faster than the traditional dial-up network. Broadband consist of different high speed internet access like, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), a wireline that transmits data fast and cheap through the traditional telephones in homes and businesses. Cable modem, a service that allows operators to provide internet services by using the same cable that transmits images and sounds to TV sets. Fiber, an electrical technology that transmits data through light in a transparent glass strand. Wireless, a broadband that connects a business or home to the internet through a radio link between their location and the location of service providers. Lastly, satellite, a broadband wireless that provides the links necessary for telephone and internet connections especially for under populated areas. The broadband internet you choose to use depends on the location you find yourself, whether a rural or an urban area. The accessibility of internet connection in your area combined with other services like, the price, the availability and the making of telephone calls are also factors to be considered when choosing broadband network system.
Advantages Of Broadband Network
- Faster than the traditional dial-up
- Allows multiple users at the same time.
- Charges according to usage.
- Easily accessible
- It is an upgrade of the traditional dial-up
Disadvantages Of Broadband Network
- Low security
- The faster connection cost more, double the cost of a dial-up.
- It can be interrupted or breached when the connection is on for a long time.
- Does not guarantee speed.
Fiber Optic Vs Broadband
Reliability and speed: even though both fiber optic and broadband have proved to be reliable connection technologies, fiber optic is considered more reliable in terms of speed. When considering an internet service, speed overrules many other factors because it is a factor that cannot be ignored, it is the foremost reason for choosing an internet service, therefore fibre optic have gained this edge over broadband.
Interference: Fiber optic is by default a very consistent system that is known for being active and responsive regardless of its environment. For this reason, it is not easily interrupted by other services and this has made it a first choice for organizations. But broadband is a service liable to interruptions from its environment and it is also usually interrupted when the user changes location.
Security: many companies are concerned about the security of their data storage and important assets. They don’t venture into networks that can be breached as this happens to be a frequent occurrences in the internet. To avoid this, they go for a connection that is safe and secure to increase the defense wall around their information. And between the two connections, broadband is secure but prone to internet breaching and external attacks. Companies therefore go for the best in this regard which among the two happens to be fiber optic. It provides a solution to this with its secure and uninterrupted service.
Affordability: in the aspect of cost efficiency, fiber optic is very much more expensive than broadband. The broadband internet is more affordable and suits the business option of budget consideration. However, the fiber network is expensive because it comes with a lot more benefits. Though, experts are trying to make it less expensive but still, it suits the business option of profit maximization. It is faster, hence, it can yield a lot of output faster within a short period of time. The broadband is more affordable of a truth but cannot save time and energy as much as fiber optic internet can do.
Bandwidth: this is the rate of data transmission within a period of time from the web to the electronic device. The level of ground that can be covered within a particular period is a very important factor when it comes to choosing a network. The fiber optic internet has a high rate of projection which comes with high quality speed. Its bandwidth are in fact seen as unlimited, while broadband can also transmit data simultaneously, it cannot withstand a longer bandwidth period. The servers can get overburdened and disrupt the network.
All these factors simply means anything that is done with fiber can also be done using broadband but a whole lot faster with fiber. Broadband is faster than 4G just like fiber, but to download and stream live videos is not as swift on broadband as it is on fiber. We should note that internet connection is a globally relevant commodity, so the services provided by these networks and how available they are is of great concern to businesses who are big users of the internet. Both fiber and broadband networks have something to offer, the choice of network to use among these two will depend solely on what they are being used for. Of all indications, the fiber optic network is of great value to businesses than the broadband because it has more advantages.