Fibre optic internet connections, once the preserve of tech firms and academia, are increasingly common among ordinary business and home users. If you're wondering whether this type of connection is right for you or your business, this quick list of advantages and disadvantages can help you make up your mind:
Bandwidth
The chief advantage of fibre optic data cabling is its high bandwidth -- that is, how quickly the connection transmits data. Fibre connections have very high bandwidth compared to traditional cabling. If you want to send or download large files quickly, this type of connection is a real asset. Multiple users streaming HD video, for instance, will tax slower connections; this type of service is only really practical on a fibre optic connection. As you expand, it's also simple to increase your fibre connection's bandwidth.
Interference
Because they transmit data over an optical fibre rather than a wire, fibre optic cables don't suffer the same kind of data loss from electromagnetic interference that older cables do. This also makes them harder to tap or listen in on, which could be an advantage if security is very important for your business.
Size
When space is at a premium, fibre optic data cabling shines. A fibre optic cable is both thinner and lighter than a traditional copper cable.
Cost
The main downside of fibre optic cabling is the expense. High-speed fibre connections tend to be the most expensive packages offered by commercial Internet providers, especially in areas where copper cable connections are already available. If you're installing internal data cabling, you'll also find that the equipment needed for a fibre optic network is more expensive. On the other hand, as more and more locations install fibre connections, the costs are decreasing. Fibre cables also last longer than their copper counterparts and need to be replaced less frequently.
Damage
Thinner and lighter than copper cables, fibre optic cables are also more fragile. They're vulnerable to being accidentally cut, and a cable that's bent too sharply can snap. However, proper protective sheathing minimises the risk of external damage to the data cable.
Overall, a fibre optic connection is a good investment for anyone who relies on transmitting large data files frequently. It's also a sound long-term investment, even if installing and using it does require a little extra care. As more and more businesses rely on high-speed internet access, fibre optic cable will continue to become more and more common. If you don't need its advantages, however, it may not be worth the extra expense.
Share15 June 2017
Hello, welcome to my blog. My name is Fran and I love technology. Ever since I was a little kid, I have always been interested in how things work. When I was six years old, I took apart our TV. It really made my parents mad, but I learned an awful lot. Later on, I saved up my pocket money and began to buy my own electrical goods. I like to keep up to date with all the latest trends in the world of technology so I decided to start this blog to offer advice to others. I hope you find my blog useful.
