Fiber optic Ethernet has fast become the premier internet solution for businesses across the U.S., but is it worth making the upgrade? The answer depends on the needs and goals of your enterprise. Here are several key advantages of Ethernet over fiber to consider.

Speed

Plain and simple, Fiber Ethernet is fast. Data travels via photons, achieving speeds that rival the speed of light. Copper wires transmit data using electrons, which, while fast enough to accommodate most internet-related tasks, fall short of fiber when it comes to large data transmission during uploading, video conferencing, HD video streaming and other data-intensive tasks. Most modern fiber Ethernet services offer speeds of up to 10 Gbps.

Signal Clarity

Due to their electrical nature, copper cables can be affected by temperature fluctuations, humidity and electromagnetic interference (EMI), all of which can disrupt signals, slow down connection speeds and reduce network reliability. On the other hand, fiber optic cables do not conduct electricity and thus transmit clearer, more reliable signals without the risk of EMI.

Distance

Fiber optic Ethernet cables can transmit signals across much greater distances than copper cables with little-to-no signal degradation. The longest copper cables may span several thousand feet, while fiber optic cables can transmit data for up to 25 miles. If your business has multiple locations, choosing an Ethernet fiber solution can give you greater bandwidth and productivity.

Bandwidth

Copper cables were designed to support voice calls, not the volume of data that modern businesses send and receive. Fiber optic cables provide substantially more bandwidth relative to cable diameter than copper.

Durability

Fiber optic cables are thinner, lighter and sturdier than copper cables. Their glass construction can hold up under high pressure and are less prone to blunt force damage and are not a fire hazard. The safety and durability of Ethernet fiber cables can save your business time and money on maintenance and repairs.

Cost

While the short-term cost of fiber Ethernet may exceed that of copper, the increasing prevalence of fiber is driving prices down. In fact, many fiber optic Ethernet services already offer a lower cost-per-megabit price than competing internet services. When considering both the costs and benefits, fiber optic Ethernet stands out as the smart investment for businesses looking to spend less time setting up and maintaining their network and more time being productive.

Security

Copper cables are more susceptible to being tapped, which can cause your data to fall into the wrong hands. It is much more arduous to tap a fiber optic Ethernet cable, which transmits light pulses rather than electricity. In a way, choosing Ethernet over fiber can be considered a built-in insurance policy.

Scalability

Fiber optical Ethernet can be easily scaled to meet the evolving needs of your business. You can purchase capacity in 1 Mbps increments, adding more as you need it with a simple phone call to your provider.

Download Infographic

Get a quick overview of the advantages of fiber optic Ethernet with this easy-to-read infographic from Cable ONE Business. Download here.

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