Should You Make the Fiber Optic Switch? We Weigh the Pros and Cons

Is your internet fast? If it’s not, you’ve probably wondered what you can do to make it faster.

In today’s society, faster is better, so you’ve probably seen tons of ads trying to convince you that every company has the fastest internet.

In your search to find a faster, better internet connection, have you considered making the fiber optic switch? If you haven’t, it’s time you did.

What is fiber optic internet and is it worth it? Keep reading to find out. In this article, we’ll cover what fiber optic internet is, as well as its associated pros and cons.

What is Fiber Optic Internet?

Fiber optic internet sends data through cables containing light-conducting fibers. This data includes emails, sounds, videos, and more. The fibers are very thin, but they pack an amazing punch when it comes to workload.

The Pros of Using Fiber Optic Internet

There are many pros to using fiber optic internet. Let’s look at a few of them.

It’s Reliable

Fiber optic internet doesn’t run into the same issues experienced by internet that requires copper wires. When copper wires are used, you may experience electromagnetic interference.

Copper wiring can also create sparks, making it dangerous in some situations, such as in industrial settings that have increased fire risks. Companies needing internet in this type of situation can rely on fiber optic cables without needing to worry about hazards.

It’s Weather Resistant

Fiber optics can stand up to bad weather conditions. This makes it ideal for locations that typically have issues with other internet types due to weather-related problems.

Moisture, extreme temperatures, and more can lead to cable damage. Not with fiber optics, though.

It’s Fast

You may think your DSL or cable internet is fast. And it might be. But it’s not as fast as fiber.

Fiber internet is ridiculously fast, much faster than other types of internet. This may be one of the best benefits of fiber optics. With faster internet, you can enjoy games, movies, phone calls, and just about everything you already do.

Would you like lag-free internet? We thought so. For speed reasons alone, it’s worth your time to research fiber internet.

It’s Future Proof

Fiber internet isn’t just the internet of now; it’s also the internet of the future. You can get yourself hooked up and not worry that something faster will show up just around the corner.

How is fiber future proof? It can withstand substantially faster speeds than it holds even now, so it probably isn’t going anywhere.

It Can Be Bundled

Fiber internet can be bundled with other services, just like other internet types. That means you can get the same incredible speed for TV that you get with your fiber internet.

It’s Efficient

Since fiber optic internet uses light to transmit data, you don’t have to worry about overheating. You do have this issue when using metal and other copper wires. If cables overheat, they can’t work anymore, but you won’t have to worry about that with fiber.

The Cons of Fiber Internet

Just like with most other things, there are some cons to using fiber internet. Here’s a look at the downside of fiber.

It’s Hard to Find

Alright, fiber may not actually be hard to find, but it’s definitely not as available as cable or DSL internet. Only a quarter of the United States has access to fiber, which puts a major damper on its awesomeness.

That leaves consumers in a lurch if they want to reap the benefits of having fiber internet. Their choices? Basically, they’d have to wait around for fiber to arrive in their area, or they’d have to move.

Since most people probably aren’t willing to move just for the sake of faster internet, and only so many homes can fit in a single area, that means a lot of people are missing out.

It Requires New Infrastructure

Since fiber internet doesn’t run on the same infrastructure as DSL or cable internet, it requires different equipment. So even if fiber comes to your area, you’ll have to outfit your home with the right stuff so it will work.

It Might Take a While

While more companies are adopting fiber internet, it may be a while before it reaches your city. Since new infrastructure is required, adopting and offering fiber internet is pricey for companies.

It May Be Unneeded

While it’s easy to think that faster means better, that isn’t always true. True, nobody wants slow internet. But fiber offers such outrageous speeds that a lot of that capability will probably be wasted.

For ultra gamers and people streaming in 4K, those speeds may be appreciated. Otherwise, you may find that your experience doesn’t feel all that different than what you had with a different type of internet.

Consider the speeds you usually have and how they meet your needs. If fiber speeds are hugely different but you don’t need a ton more speed, you could save yourself the money and spend it on something else.

Is the Fiber Optic Switch Right for You? You Decide

Fiber internet offers some incredible perks–amazing speed being among the top benefits.

It does have its downsides, though. You can’t take advantage of fiber internet if it isn’t offered in your area.

If it’s available in your area, you should definitely consider making the fiber optic switch. Once you get it, you won’t know how you lived without it.

In order to fully enjoy the benefits of fiber internet, you’ve got to keep your electronic devices running smoothly. Check out our article on keeping your computer in tip-top shape.