Is a Fiber Optic Internet Router Worth It? 7 Pros and Cons

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Fiber optic internet is a new invention in the network field. These days, it is becoming the primary choice for many users. It is considered to be the future of broadband. It has revolutionized the telecommunication industry by providing fast speed of the internet.

Fiber optics are not electrical and don’t share similarities with wireless internet connectivity.

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What Is Fiber Optic Internet?

Fiber optic internet is the choice of many new users for being much better than traditional cable internet. The technology has replaced old WiFi internet signal transmission methods for reliable service and high-speed networks.

It is a data connection carried by a cable with plastic fibers or thin glass. There is no copper wire, so connections don’t degrade over distance. You can enjoy constant premium data transfer speeds 20x faster than regular cable at 1Gbps.

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Read More: Best Internet Speed Test Apps

Pros of Fiber Optic Internet

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Is fiber optic internet service worth considering? For better productivity and performance, let’s find out if it’s worth switching to a fiber optic WiFi connection.

1. Improved Reliability

The significant advantage of fiber optic internet is reliability. It is a dedicated system with less possibility of being affected by service interruptions than Wi-Fi problems on a computer. Apart from that, security is another factor that makes it stand out.

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It can effectively handle more data and increase users at consistently higher speeds even when the peak traffic overloads. The use of glass fiber makes it difficult for hackers to steal information. Also, you can access bits and bytes even when there is no light.

2. Excellent Speed

The internet speed of fiber optic is 1Gbps which is 10 to 20 times faster than 50 to 100 Mbps cable. It facilitates speedy connectivity, whether connecting to the cloud or supporting team members with CRM access.

Also, fiber optics is resistant to corrosion and electromagnetic interference. The speed is slightly affected by environmental factors. However, it can reach anywhere from 50 Mbps to 100Gbps. Besides, there’s a difference between Router and Modem that you can check out here.

3. Better Scalability

Compared to traditional transmission networks, fiber optics are highly scalable. These are 5x smaller and 20x lighter than conventional copper wires. Also, installing new equipment over the original fiber is much easier.

Since the new cables can be placed over the original fiber, it is easy to upgrade equipment. An additional bonus is that you can turn it on and off as needed. You can install these cables for future growth and route the service until required.

4. Uninterrupted Gameplay

Ultra High Definition 4K TVs pack four times more pixels and require more bandwidth from the internet connection. Regular cable internet with 100 Mbps or less speed finds it hard to offer 4K internet streaming.

On the contrary, fiber optic internet provides enhanced TV quality and excellent gameplay. It allows streaming high-quality 4K TV and movies, even running at suboptimal 500Mbps.

Cons of Fiber Optic Internet

Alongside advantages, fiber optic internet also has some drawbacks. Let’s learn about these downsides for effective decision-making.

Read More: Best Wi-Fi File Transfer Apps

1. Expensive Subscription

Even though fiber optic internet service provides many advantages, it has a significant downside of high prices. However, it is known for long-term cost-effectiveness and will cost more in the short term.

The subscription plan begins at a higher package, and the installation process can cost a pretty penny. This requires higher-cost solutions. It can be dropped if a building is wired for fiber.

2. Limited Availability

The biggest limitation of fiber optic connection is that it is restricted to certain areas or buildings. It is available mainly in metropolitan regions, and users can access this internet service.

As of now, it is region-specific, and many areas in other nations will find it challenging to access this technology. Preparing the infrastructure and catching up with laid-out maps of telephone line accessibility will take some time.

3. Sudden Physical Damage

Compared to metallic wiring, fiber is much lighter and thinner. Hence, it becomes a more delicate system. The smaller size makes them more likely to be cut easily by accident during rewiring or building renovation.

Hence, it is essential to give them proper protection. You can hire a company that better understands the working process of fiber cable during installation. These cables can be damaged physically and also disrupt productivity.

The Conclusion

Concluding everything, it can be said that alongside providing some fantastic benefits, fiber optic internet router has some limitations. So, it is upon you to decide whether to make the switch to fiber optics or keep using other wireless connectivity. More importantly, you better coordinate and plan with your network service provider. Choose the most suitable plan and weigh its importance to make a more confident decision.