Fiber Internet vs. Cable: Which is Better for Your Business?
As a business owner, you know internet service is non-negotiable. But deciding what type of internet connection your company needs is a bit trickier. More than likely, your top concerns are availability, speed, price, and reliability. On the surface, there might not seem to be much difference between types of internet services. Yet, even some of the most popular choices, such as fiber and cable, have distinctions. Let’s explore the differences below and why fiber internet connections may be better for your business.
Cable Availability is More Widespread
Generally, fiber internet access tends to be limited, especially outside of major metros. Cable internet service, on the other hand, is typically available in most cities, towns, and some remote areas. According to FCC data from June 2021, 84.5% of the nation has at least one cable internet provider with download speeds greater than 25 Mbps.
Fiber internet service at the same speed and provider levels covers 44.4% of the nation. So, with less availability, fiber may not be viable for some homes and businesses. Or the service may be more expensive because of limited availability.
The availability factor can certainly influence whether consumers get to experience the differences between fiber and cable internet. While some may argue there’s not much of a noticeable distinction between fiber and cable internet, there are key differences. Not only is the technology different, but bandwidth capacities and speeds are also more robust with fiber.
Fiber Internet Speeds Are More Reliable
Fiber internet connections have a distinct advantage over cable internet service when it comes to speed. While cable and fiber can reach some of the same download speeds, fiber provides asymmetrical service. In non-technical terms, you can upload and download data at identical speeds.
For home connections, this may not be that big of a deal. But the same upload and download speeds can make a difference for businesses that send large files or upload mass amounts of data. Companies, whether small or large, are more likely to need to frequently send and receive data simultaneously. So having the same speed can support productivity targets and client service agreements.
Unlike cable, fiber internet speeds aren’t as susceptible to network congestion. With increased activity, cable networks tend to slow down. That means you’ll experience lower download and upload speeds depending on the time of day or peak usage.
Fiber Internet Can Be More Secure
Fiber internet lines are underground, making them less susceptible to damage and tampering. Being beneath ground level can also prevent outages and spotty service from strong storms. For business owners who can’t afford to deal with downtime, fiber connections are the more reliable choice.
That said, cable internet isn’t necessarily unreliable. In many cases, cable connections will not experience much downtime. Yet, high winds, blizzards, lightning storms, and power outages can knock cable internet service offline.
If the root cause is a power outage, service depends on electricity being restored. There isn’t much a cable internet provider can do to bring service back online. Depending on the damage or outage, internet service could be out for days or weeks.
However, in many cases, fiber infrastructure isn’t impacted by power outages. That’s because fiber optic cables don’t depend on electricity. The lines will keep delivering internet service regardless of whether local power is on.
Cable and Fiber Internet Connections Require Equipment
Like cable internet, your business will need to access fiber connections through a modem or router. Your company may need to purchase compatible devices, depending on the number and size of your locations. Otherwise, you can rent modems or routers from your ISP for a monthly charge.
However, larger organizations may rely on multiple wireless access points and Ethernet wall jacks that connect to fiber lines. The signals from a few routers or modems won’t reach all devices. Plus, it’s easier for companies with multiple buildings to place more access points and Ethernet jacks in high-use areas.
IT staff can monitor and adjust capacity and signal strength. IT departments can also balance network load or volume between Wi-Fi access points. Just know that from a business’s perspective, inside equipment is still necessary to access fiber internet service.
Is Fiber Internet Available In My Area?
The availability of fiber internet in your area will depend on whether providers are investing in and building infrastructure. Viaero Fiber Networks is one of the ISPs bringing fiber internet connections to remote areas in Nebraska and Colorado. Viaero provides wholesale fiber solutions, such as
· Dark fiber
· Managed services
· Wholesale wavelengths
· Fiber transport
To see if Viaero has wholesale fiber internet solutions in your area, contact us to schedule a free consultation.