As the market shifts, different notions and preconceptions can spread through the masses. Some of these notions are true, and others not so much. Here at Socket, we value transparency and honesty, and strive to clear up any misinformation we can. This Fiber Friday, we want to talk about the top 4 common misconceptions people might have about fiber.
“Fiber internet isn’t worth it. It’s the same as copper!”
Um… actually, no. Fiber optic internet is different from copper in a variety of ways. Data transmission is much faster through fiber than through cable, with many residential speeds clocking in at 1,000 megabytes per second. That’s not the limit though! Many infrastructural fiber lines boast speeds of up to 60 terabytes per second! (That’s 60 million megabytes!)
Fiber optic internet also provides larger bandwidth, meaning that more devices can share the same connection without dropping speeds. So, you don’t have to worry about the internet dropping when your in-laws are in town.
Aside from high speeds and great bandwidth, having fiber optic internet available to the property can add upwards of $5,000 its value! There’s no better investment than that! Need we go on?
“Fiber cable is made of glass, so it’s weak.”
False! In fact, the cables are structured specifically for durability. If you read our What is Fiber? blog, you know that each cable is made of fibers that are as thin as hair. Just like hair, an individual strand is bendable and can be broken with little to no force. However, when you combine each individual part into a whole, you get a durable cable meant to withstand mother nature and her temper. According to Network Drops, fiber optic cable even has 8x the pulling tension of copper wires. So, no. Fiber cable isn’t weak just because it’s made of glass.
“Fiber is less reliable than copper.”
Nope! Fiber is more reliable than regular DSL for the same reason it’s safer – because of the light waves! The electricity in copper cables is sensitive and can be bogged down by rain or extreme heat. They also risk corrosion when the electricity reacts negatively to weather. Since fiber doesn’t rely on electricity as much, it’s more likely to withstand extreme weather conditions. Say goodbye to rainy day outages!
In addition, you can rely on faster, stronger internet speeds when using fiber optic. In fact, data transmitted through copper cable loses 94% of its signal after 100 meters (328 ft). Fiber loses 3% power after the same distance. Sounds reliable to me!
“Fiber is dangerous!”
Nuh-uh! For starters, fiber optic internet uses light to transmit data, not electricity. Should the inside of the cable be exposed, there is no risk of electrical hazard or fire. Plus, fiber cable is significantly thinner and lighter than regular copper cable. If the cable does fall from the utility pole, there won’t be any detrimental yard damage.
Knowing the right information is key, whether you’re a parent or a master tech. Socket strives to provide clarity when it can. If you have any questions about our unusually fast fiber, call our unusually great customer service center at 1-800-762-5383.