Fiber vs. Cable Internet: Differences at a Glance
Internet technology has advanced exponentially over the past three decades. Faster and more reliable than ever, today’s consumer has many choices when it comes to high-speed Internet.
But if your neighborhood or office park has a variety of options, which kind of Internet technology should you choose? Is there any real difference between the different Internet services available? And what exactly are these technologies anyway? And how do they work?
At Clearwave Fiber, we hear these questions all the time, and understand how confusing it can be.
Please read below for key terms and technology to inform you and help you make informed choices about the best Internet business service or home Internet service that suits your needs.
What is Coax Cable Internet?
Coax cable, short for coaxial cable, is the same technology used to provide cable television. It is composed of an insulated copper core of wires, which can carry both Internet and television signal simultaneously.
As an “asymmetric” technology, cable’s primary disadvantage is its markedly slower downloading speed. But, for the typical family and business user, cable’s downloading speed is probably sufficient. Cable has been a common technology for decades and many businesses and residential customers use it, especially since it can also provide television service.
What is Fiber Broadband Internet?
Fiber optic Internet uses cables containing extremely thin, hair-width, glass-like “strings” of Fiber material. Unlike coax cable, Fiber optic technology converts Internet data in the electrical signals into light, and then transports that converted light at extremely fast speeds into your modem and home. Because Fiber optic technology transmutes data into light, it is much faster than coax cable Internet.
Fiber optic Internet can sometimes be more expensive than coax cable because the infrastructure isn’t available everywhere yet. Thus, establishing Fiber optic Internet service and connecting it to your home or business carries higher upfront costs than coax cable, which is prominent in most residential areas.
And what is Wireless Internet?
Wireless Internet is provided through “the air” rather than through wires or cables installed and connected to your home or building. Transmitted through a “Point of Presence” such as a transmitter radio—like on a “cell phone tower”—it doesn’t rely on substantial amounts of physical infrastructure like cable and Fiber optic Internet.
Wireless Internet is also “fixed”—the data transmitted to your home or business does not vary from the data plan with which you contract. If you choose a 25MBs per second speed plan, that is the speed your Internet will be delivered. If you choose a 1GB per second speed plan (the fastest speed wireless Internet currently offers), that’s what you’ll receive. But keep in that it is more expensive than coax cable, as well.
More common in rural areas (where there is less of a broadband infrastructure grid), wireless Internet is provided by 3G and 4G cellular data service providers, such as cell phone service companies, as well as via satellite and “dishes.”
And don’t confuse wireless Internet service” with “Wi-Fi!” They’re commonly confused and the names are easily interchanged with one another.
Wi-Fi refers to the router-based wireless-system in your house or business—Internet enters your home through the modem and is transmitted through a Wi-Fi router to all of your Wi-Fi-capable devices. Wireless Internet, on the other hand, is another form of Internet service, like Fiber optic or coax cable service.
Final Thoughts on Fiber vs. Cable Internet
Call us biased, but Fiber optic cable is hands-down the fastest, most reliable and highest quality Internet service technology available on the market today. The maximum transfer rates of Fiber Internet are higher than any other service available.
Fiber infrastructure is newer than cable or most wireless infrastructure, and that improves performance and reliability.
Keep in mind that Fiber may be a bit more expensive, at least at first. And perhaps you’d find the convenience of a single bill for both Internet and cable appealing. Or you may live in a rural or more isolated area where wireless Internet is your best—or only—option for high-speed Internet service.
So do your homework. Research and ask questions. When you’re ready, contact Clearwave Fiber’s helpful and knowledgeable team to assist!
If you have other questions about Fiber Internet, our support team is available. And be sure to follow Clearwave Fiber’s social pages to learn more about our Fiber network!
Check out our 100% Fiber plans: If you’re looking for a reliable internet partner, Clearwave Fiber offers business Fiber Internet and residential Fiber Internet services. Contact us to start your service today!
