Fiber Optics vs. Standard Cable [infographic]

At GP Associates, Inc., we often get asked whether fiber optic cable is the best solution over standard cabling. While not all areas have the option for fiber optic, fiber optic networks are rapidly expanding throughout the nation. If you don’t have the choice now, it is likely you will in the future. If you do have the choice between the two, here is some information that can help you decide whether to have fiber optic cable or standard cable installed for your home or business internet.

• Reliability in Power Outages– It is far less likely you will experience downtime in your internet service due to power outages if you have a fiber optic network.
• Overall Reliability– Fiber optics are not susceptible to many of the conditions that threaten cable networks. Besides not needing electricity, they are also not bothered by power lines, high-voltage equipment, and other things that can cause interference.
• Security– It is much harder to hack a private network installed with fiber optic cable than standard cable. This is due, in part, to the fact that you typically share standard cable with neighbors, but you do not share with fiber optic connections.
• Temperature– Fiber optic cable is not affected by temperature extremes as much as standard cable.
• Waterproof– Fiber optic cable can be submerged in water without adverse effects.
• Maintenance Costs– As the price gap shrinks between fiber optic and standard cable, it is getting closer in price to install and it costs less to maintain than the old copper cables do.
• Speed- Fiber optic cable is not just faster for data delivery but also more reliable than standard cable. It doesn’t get impacted as much by peak usage periods either.
• Futureproof– The capabilities for fiber optic cable far exceed the current speeds being offered, so you’ll be all set as technology advances, whereas you’ll not be able to get the same results from standard cable.
• Distance– You can send data farther with fiber optic cable than you can standard cable.