What's so special about fibre?

As a Fibre to the Home provider, we often get asked what's so special about fibre optics?

Fiber optics is a technology that uses thin, transparent fibers to transmit data, voice, and images by the passage of light 1. In telecommunications, fiber optic technology is used to link computers within local area networks and to connect cities and countries across the world 2. Fiber optic cables are made up of glass or plastic fibers that are thinner than a human hair and can transmit data over long distances at high speeds 1.

Fiber optic cables are used in telecommunications because they offer several advantages over traditional copper cables. They are faster, more reliable, and can transmit more data over longer distances 2. They are also less susceptible to interference from electromagnetic fields and can be used in areas with high levels of electrical noise 2.

Here are some of the key advantages of using fiber optics in telecommunications:

1. Higher bandwidth: Fiber optic cables have much greater bandwidth than metal cables. Information can be transmitted per unit time of fiber over other transmission media, giving fiber optic cables a significant advantage. If your current network is experiencing low bandwidth or difficulty meeting some of your current business data transfer needs, having problems with multicast video breaking down, your CCTV images pixelating/shearing or you are having difficulties accessing cloud applications, you may significantly benefit from an upgrade to fiber optic connectivity 3.
2. Faster speed: In our fast-paced society, our new normal is being able to upload videos, files and make phone calls as we simultaneously download content. Slow Internet connections can, therefore, cost businesses weeks of productivity. It is paramount that your internet connectivity is fast, efficient and reliable to help keep your business as productive as possible. Fiber optic networks are significantly faster than even the highest-speed copper Internet connections, with options ranging from 5 Mbps to 100 Gbps. With a fiber optic network, your employees can benefit from equal upload and download times through a fast data connection 3.
3. Longer transmission distances: A fiber optic cable is a low power loss medium, meaning you can achieve higher bandwidths over greater transmission distances. Fiber optic cables can transmit data over much longer distances than copper cables, making them ideal for long-distance telecommunications 3.
4. Greater security: Fiber optic cables are more secure than copper cables because they are more difficult to tap. Copper cables emit electromagnetic signals that can be intercepted, whereas fiber optic cables do not 2.
5. Less maintenance: Fiber optic cables require less maintenance than copper cables. They are less susceptible to damage from weather and other environmental factors, and they do not corrode over time 1.

In summary, fiber optics is a key technology used in telecommunications to transmit data, voice, and images over long distances at high speeds. It is faster, more reliable, and can transmit more data than traditional copper cables. Fiber optic cables are also more secure, require less maintenance, and can transmit data over much longer distances than copper cables 312.