Because of differences in transmitting technology, fiber optic services generally offer better quality.
The future of internet technology has arrived and how! The present era of fiber optic connection has revolutionised the world of communication as it surges through all the spheres of our life. Fiber internet is the latest change that has largely influenced the way we work, shop online, play games, and stream movies. Since it plays an integral role in our daily lives, it is important to understand the basics of a fiber network in detail.
In this article, we’ve elaborated on the basics of a fiber internet, the functioning of fiber, and its different available types. So, come, let’s take a look:
The meaning of fiber optic connections:
The latest broadband connection called fiber net or fiber internet has changed the way of data transmission from one place to another. With a fiber network, we can now send information across the globe at the speed of light.
Today, a fiber optic connection is known for its superfast speed. Due to its high-speed benefits, it ensures quicker downloads and uploads, a smooth gaming experience, uninterrupted video calls, and so on. Besides, fiber also lets us do the following things with ease:
- Cloud backup in split seconds
- Instant file uploads
- Download a 2-hour long movie in a few minutes
- No lagging or buffering while playing online games
Now that we’ve understood the basics of fiber internet, let’s proceed further to know more about the working of a fiber optic connection. Primarily, there are many pieces that contribute to the advanced technology of fiber internet. But, its two key components called optical fibers and the last mile play a major role.
Let’s understand the two main elements of fiber optic connection in detail below:
Optical fibers
These fibers are extremely thin- about 125 microns in diameter. They are further divided into two parts:
The core: It is the innermost part of the fiber that is made from glass to help the light to pass through it.
The cladding: It is wrapped around the core. Therefore, the cladding is made out of a thicker layer of glass or plastic.
These two parts are bundled up together to form cables that carry pulses of LED light or laser down the line. They carry binary data, a coding system that we see on the internet. It usually travels up to 60 miles before it experiences any form of degradation.
The last mile: Now, after the pulses reach their designated destination, an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) converts these pulses of light into an electrical Ethernet. This, in turn, allows the light to connect to your devices, such as tablets, iPads, laptops, etc. to the internet. This last stretch of fiber that connects one to the backbone of the internet is called ‘the last mile.’
Typically, there are several forms of the last mile connections that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installs for you. However, it generally varies on the purity of the fiber optic connection.
We’ve enlisted below the three common types of fiber internet. Let’s have a quick look at them below:
FTTC/ FTTN/ FTTS: Fiber to the curb/cabinet, neighborhood, or street is one of the most common types of fiber connections wherein the fiber is delivered to a street cabinet from the farthest premise. It is then disbursed by the copper cables.
FTTH/ FTTP/ FTTB/ FTTD: Fiber to the home, premise, business, and desktop are direct fiber lines that are connected straight to the residence.
FTTB: Fiber to the building is a popular choice for apartments, hotels, and schools that provide internet access to several businesses.
Fiber connections have undoubtedly become the need of the hour due to their high-speed advantage. Many ISP providers also offer fiber plans at striking deals. So, check out their offers today. Hurry!
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