It is widely known that fiber internet provides the fastest internet connection. With data being transmitted via fiber optic technology – which allows for blazing-fast speeds – families can stream 4K movies without buffering and use their bandwidth as much as they’d like without interruption. But there’s another reason why fiber internet is superior to other types of internet connections: it holds up in inclement weather. Traditional internet connections such as satellite, cable, wireless and DSL are based on older technologies. When bad weather strikes, they simply can’t compete with fiber internet’s speed and reliability. Because of differences in infrastructure design and how each type is installed, fiber Internet service is also less susceptible to outages during stormy weather than its older counterparts.
Fiber Optic Cables are under the Surface
Unlike other types of internet connections, like DSL, wireless, satellite, or cable, fiber optic cable installation occurs under the ground surface. It indicates that the fiber internet connection is far from weather impacts like rain, strong winds, cyclones, hailstorms, and snow. Fallen trees wreak havoc on exposed telephone lines, powerlines, and wires, particularly during thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Less Fluctuations to Weather
Because the fiber cables are beneath the ground, weather conditions don’t influence the fiber internet connection. This is one reason why the fiber internet is less prone to fluctuations due to cold or hot weather. The ground surface acts as insulation from extreme temperature conditions.
Protection against Electromagnetic Interference
Another highlight of considering the fiber internet is its protection against electromagnetic interference compared to other types of internet technology. Thanks to the composition of materials fiber optic cables utilize, they are less susceptible to EMI or electromagnetic interferences. The EMI occurs due to an external source, from adjacent construction work to household appliances, disrupting and interfering with the natural electrical signal transmissions.
Thundering and Lightning Hampers Connectivity
Bad weather conditions affect electromagnetic signals when there is thundering and severe lightning. Internet users face service slowdowns, disruptions, distortions, and connection crashes. Bad weather conditions are the worst time for connection downtime because everyone wants to keep a check on their loved ones and keep themselves and their kids entertained at home.
Fiber Technology Depends on Tiny Glass Hairs
Fiber internet doesn’t rely on copper-based coaxial cables, which are easily influenced by nearby electromagnetic energy. Rather, the technology depends on the small, thin glass hairs that transmit the internet signals at lightning speed. Because fiber technology compromises glass instead of metals, it is not influenced by electromagnetic signals or energy from power lines, nearby appliances, and weather conditions.
Excellent Signal Strength
Electricity and light weaken when they travel or transmit signals long distances. The farther the data travels, the more it disrupts and becomes weaker before reaching the destination. There is a critical distinction between the long-distance signal transmission for copper coaxial wires and fiber optic cables. Conventional internet copper-based wires lose signal strength as they transmit farther than 350 feet or less, approximately the length of a football ground. However, fiber internet cables can travel as long as 30 miles (equivalent to nearly 500 football grounds) or more without losing signal strength. It won’t be wrong to mention that the better signal strength of fiber internet connection is a huge advantage over other types of internet technology.
Better Withstanding Aging and Damage
Fiber optic cables are made of small and thin glass hair, making them appear more fragile than copper-based wires, but they are not. Fiber optic cables can withstand nearly 250 pounds of pressure, while copper-based wires hardly hold up to 30 pounds or less. In addition, fiber technology wires are installed below the surface. The pressure is not an issue, unlike copper wires and cables attached to polls and probes to accidents and extreme weather conditions. Copper cables and wires are more susceptible to breaking down over time because of their exposure to heat, electrical current, and other external factors.
Conclusion
With the advent of cloud computing and other advanced technologies, organizations and companies realize the need for enhanced internet connection. Fiber internet is answering the rising demands of the business landscape. The article highlights the importance of fiber internet and why it is better than other internet technologies. The lightning speed and reliability of fiber internet in every weather condition make it a favorable option for business and home use, leading to the question: is broadband or fiber better internet for your needs?
