Your connection is only as good as your transport. Coax (cable) and fiber-optic (fiber) are two different technologies for delivering broadband internet service. Cable internet was first deployed in the 90’s and is now installed in over 69 million U.S. homes while fiber internet first started appearing in the mid 2000s.
PRIMARY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FIBER & CABLE
Bandwidth, Speeds & Capacity
FIBER is made up of many small, bendable strands of glass that allows the transport of enormous amounts of data at high speeds over long distances. Fiber technology allows multiple users to access the network at the same time without affecting a user’s internet experience. This is due to its dedicated connection bandwidth, true symmetrical speeds, and scalable capacity.
CABLE is a shared asymmetrical connection. A pool of bandwidth is allocated to several users, leading to the possibility of having your internet performance disrupted by your neighbors at times of peak usage. Cable internet speeds range from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps, but cable speeds vary depending on utilization rates by other subscribers in your area.
Physical Characteristics
FIBER includes an outer armor jacket, a buffer tube, glass cladding and a glass core.
CABLE is made up of a plastic jacket, metallic shield, dielectric insulator, and a copper core.
Life Cycle
FIBER has a life expectancy beyond 25 years saving consumers money in the long run. There are also less technical issues with fiber eliminating many repair costs.
CABLE has a similar initial cost structure to fiber, but it will need to be replaced more often due to its shorter life cycle.
Security
FIBER has increased security over cable, primarily due to how it transmits data through pulses of light over the thin glass strands. This makes the data harder to intercept.
CABLE is a shared medium and transmits data through electrical signals. These signals are easier to tap into making cable a less secure option.
WHICH ONE IS BETTER FOR BUSINESS? OUR CHOICE – FIBER!
There are a multitude of reasons why fiber has become the preferred solution versus the older coax cable. Previously, fiber was considered the more expensive transport medium, but is now comparable to the cost of cable. Fiber’s glass composition allows it to withstand temperature fluctuations and severe weather conditions. Unlike cable, the glass utilized in fiber reduces the risk of fire and power outages since electricity is not being carried through it.
Fiber has flexible and reliable connectivity, which makes a huge impact on business productivity when reaching customers, working with partners and hosting virtual meetings. Fiber infrastructure supports growing businesses by easily scaling up their bandwidth and network capabilities based on their specific needs. Fiber is the fastest, most reliable transport for internet obtainable today. 123NET has 4,500+ miles of fiber and has been providing internet services across Michigan for over 25 years.
ABOUT 123NET
123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on equipping businesses with an industry-leading data center, network and voice services. Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies and thousands of Michigan businesses trust 123NET to provide them with world-class connectivity. Home of the Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX), 123NET operates one of the largest carrier-neutral data centers and peers with technology leaders such as Google, AWS, GM and others.
OUR MISSION: BUILDING NETWORK TO MAKE MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES & BUSINESSES THE BEST CONNECTED ON THE PLANET.
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