Fiber vs. cable internet: What to consider
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If you’re exploring internet options for your home or business, fiber and cable may be on your radar. These technologies deliver fast and reliable internet connections, but they do so through different means.
Fiber internet uses fiber optic cables that transfer data at the speed of light, giving you access to the fastest download and upload speeds. Cable internet uses the same coaxial cable networks as cable TV to deliver a high-speed connection. As a newer technology, fiber internet is less widely available than cable. Which connection you have access to will depend on your location and internet service provider (ISP).
What is fiber internet?
Also known as fiber optic broadband, fiber internet is powered by fiber optics, which use very thin, flexible strands of glass or plastic cables. These cables allow data to be transmitted through beams of light instead of electricity, ensuring the fastest speeds.
“Fiber internet is the ‘latest and greatest’ from internet service providers like Google Fiber, Verizon and AT&T in the U.S., and others worldwide,” said Gustavo Soares, Global Product Manager at Dell Technologies. A single fiber optic cable can transmit more data than thousands of copper cables, making it faster and more efficient. In some areas, fiber internet offers speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second.
ISPs may offer a 100% fiber optic or hybrid network, which weaves fiber optic cables with traditional copper coaxial cables. Both deliver fast, reliable, secure and scalable internet, but hybrid networks are more widely available than pure fiber ones.
Fiber internet pros and cons
Fiber internet comes with a number of benefits and drawbacks to consider. In addition to sky-high speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps, it offers low latency, which means less lag when you stream videos, play online games or surf the web. Fiber is also highly reliable since it doesn’t depend on electrical equipment that may malfunction during severe weather conditions.
However, fiber is pricier than other types of internet, such as cable. And if you don’t live in an urban area, fiber internet likely isn’t available. According to the Fiber Broadband Association, fiber internet is only offered to 60.5 million American homes. Fortunately, access to fiber optic internet is quickly growing, so if it’s not an option today, it may be in the future.
Pros
High speeds
Low latency
Reliable
Cons
Expensive
Limited availability
Complex installation
What is cable internet?
Cable internet is a type of high-speed internet that’s powered with the same coaxial cables as your cable television. It pairs coaxial cables with a cable modem to transmit data through sound waves and provide an internet connection.
While it’s slower than fiber internet, it’s the most popular type of connection. As long as cable TV is available in your area, cable internet is as well, likely through various providers. It’s not slow either; most cable connections can reach download speeds of 100 Mbps.
The real speed hit comes in upload velocity. “Unlike fiber internet, cable has a much slower rate of upload versus download and favors those who consume but don’t create content,” explained Soares.
So, if you’re an avid streamer, cable can be a great option for your internet needs, but if you’re a content creator who uploads videos regularly, fiber might be better suited for your needs.
Cable internet pros and cons
Just like fiber internet, cable internet has advantages and disadvantages that are important to understand.
Cable internet is readily available, even if you live in a small town or rural area and more affordable than fiber internet. Many providers also allow you to bundle it with cable television subscriptions and other services, saving you money on your monthly bills.
However, If you opt for cable internet, be prepared for high latency or delays and slower upload speeds. Latency or delays are more common with cable internet because it’s impacted by network congestion, which occurs when too many devices are being used at once or you’re performing intense activities, like streaming movies from multiple devices, for example. In addition, some cable internet plans might sneak in fees that can increase their overall costs, such as setup and installation fees or overage fees.
Pros
Widely available
Less expensive than fiber internet
Can bundle with other services, like cable TV
Cons
Susceptible to latency
Potential for slow upload speeds
Can come with hidden fees
Fiber vs. cable internet: What’s the difference?
In general, fiber internet is faster and more reliable than cable internet. However, it requires a higher upfront investment and isn’t widely available. While cable internet is slower than fiber, it offers a fast connection and is more accessible, especially if you live outside a major metropolitan area.
Here’s a closer look at the differences between fiber and cable internet.
Availability
Since cable internet relies on coaxial cables that provide cable TV, it’s widely available in both urban and rural locations. Fiber optic internet is usually only offered in some urban areas. You might not have access to fiber if you live in a small town.
Cost
Fiber internet is more difficult to install than cable internet since it involves laying new fiber optic cables, which is why it tends to cost more. While factors like your provider, location, availability and download speeds will determine the cost of the internet, you’ll pay an average of $138 per month for fiber and $70 for cable. You may save even more money with a cable connection if you bundle your internet with cable TV.
Installation
Depending on how your home is wired, you might be able to install cable internet yourself by connecting your router to your modem via an ethernet cable. However, the quality of your connection will depend on the condition of your existing cable infrastructure.
Fiber internet installation involves laying new fiber optic cables, which can be more time-consuming and costly initially but will offer greater reliability and faster speeds in the long run.
Reliability and stability
The coaxial cables and electricity in cable internet are more prone to connection issues due to harsh weather conditions and heavy traffic during peak hours than fiber internet. Fiber is usually a more reliable option because of its ability to deliver symmetrical speeds and its resistance to interference.
Speed
Fiber offers the fastest connection with download and upload speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps. However, cable isn’t slow. Cable internet speeds can vary depending on network congestion and distance from the provider’s infrastructure but can comfortably deliver download speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps.
How do other types of internet compare?
While fiber and cable are popular internet types, other options exist, such as DSL, fixed wireless and satellite. Let’s look at how these alternative solutions compare to fiber and cable.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line, or DSL, is one of the oldest internet technologies. It uses copper phone lines instead of coaxial cable TV or fiber optic cables. While it’s available everywhere with phone lines, it’s slower and less reliable than cable and fiber internet.
Fixed wireless
Fixed wireless uses towers to beam radio waves back and forth to transfer data. It is similar to DSL and, therefore, slower than cable and far slower than fiber.
“While fixed wireless serves as an alternative for rural regions, it comes with obstacles such as line-of-sight (LoS) challenges with antennas, limited speeds (e.g., 100 Mbps or less), restricted tower capacity and variable reliability,” said Steven Harris, vice president of commercial relationships at Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE).
Satellite
Satellite internet depends on satellites in space, which send and receive signals that route to your internet provider and, eventually, the modem in your home. It delivers a slower connection than fiber and cable internet but is available nearly everywhere. “Satellite is a popular choice among ‘van-lifers’ and RV aficionados,” said Soares, because of its ability to route a connection to almost anywhere.
Is cable or fiber internet better?
Fiber internet is considered the superior choice to cable. Not only is it faster than cable internet, but fiber is also more reliable and offers lower latency. In a perfect world, everyone would go the fiber route. However, the higher expense and limited fiber availability make cable the more realistic option for many people in residential and business settings.
“It’s important to recognize that while fiber represents the pinnacle of high-speed connectivity, the reality of geographical and infrastructural challenges means it’s not yet available to every home and business,” said Jeff Small, president of Windstream Kinetic.
Bottom line
It’s up to you to determine which type of internet connection to choose. If lightning-fast speed and reliability are most important to you and you don’t mind paying more for it, fiber is your best bet, as long as it’s available in your area. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still delivers a fast connection, cable may be the way to go.
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