Choosing Between Broadband vs Fiber Optic Internet

The internet hasn’t always been around, but during its time of existence, it has become so ingrained in our culture that it’s almost impossible to imagine life without it. The same is true for the business world. Whether you’re sending an email or video conferencing with coworkers, most businesses have become heavily reliant on the internet to maintain operations. Since this is the case, companies need an internet solution that’s fast and reliable.

When it comes to business internet, you have a few choices like satellite and digital subscriber line (DSL). However, the most popular choices tend to be between cable and fiber. Both options come with their own pros and cons. This article will focus on the differences between these solutions and which option is the best for your needs.

Broadband vs Fiber Internet: The Basics

Before getting into fiber optic internet vs broadband, we must first understand what broadband internet is. Starting with broadband, this is a term that’s often used interchangeably with the term cable internet. However, this is a common mistake as broadband is an umbrella term that actually refers to all wide-bandwidth data transmission. This includes cable, as well as DSL, satellite, and fiber optic connections.

The Difference Between Fiber Optic and Cable

Given that fiber optic internet is just one form of broadband, a better question to ask is … what is the difference between cable and fiber? 

As its name suggests, fiber internet uses fiber optic lines made out of plastic or glass fibers. Fiber optic cables send information as pulses of light, which is incredibly fast and results in a high-quality, reliable connection. This type of connection can provide connections up to one Gbps.

Cable internet uses, you guessed it, coaxial cables to connect you to the internet. These are the same cables you use to transmit TV service to your TV. Made with a copper core, insulated in aluminum, covered in a copper shield, and protected by a plastic layer, these lines also provide a high-speed connection. Cable internet speeds can be up to 940 Mbps for downloading and up to 50 Mbps for uploading. 

Pros and Cons

As mentioned earlier, cable and fiber internet have their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons will help you choose which one is right for your business.

Fiber Optic Benefits

• Speed: Fiber-optic internet is faster than cable with a download and upload speed of up to one Gbps.
• Reliability: Both solutions are about the same in reliability, however, fiber optics aren’t interrupted by factors that affect electricity like cable.

Cable Benefits

• Availability: Cable networks are everywhere. Pretty much anywhere you can access a television network, you can access a cable internet. Fiber infrastructure is a little harder to find.
• Cost: Although the cost of fiber has gone down, cable is still the more cost-effective option. 

Internet Options Based on Your Needs

A successful company needs an internet solution that can keep pace with the speed of business. If you’re unsatisfied with your current internet solution, let the experts at CCT Telecomm help. We’ll take the time to explain the differences between internet plans, how they can benefit you, and determine the best internet solution for your business based on your needs.

Contact us today to learn more about us and the services we offer.