Fiber optics have taken over traditional copper wires because of the large number of advantages they have over them. Fiber Optics are now commonly used in all telecommunication services such as television, phone, and the internet. Fiber Optics are also utilized in domestic internet plans such as the Spectrum Wifi plans and other monthly/weekly plans by local ISPs.
The use of fiber optics is not only restricted to telecommunication services but is now widely used in a variety of arenas such as undersea procedures, military and satellite and even the medical field.
What is Fiber Optics?
Before going further we must first understand what fiber optics actually is. It is the technology that transmits information as light pulses along a glass or plastic fiber. It is used for long distance and high performance data networking.
Advantages of Fiber Optics
Let’s discuss some of the advantages of fiber optics.
Higher Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the amount of data transmitted over the internet in a given time. Fiber Optics are built in a way that they support higher bandwidth of data as compared to the copper wire thus making streaming faster and easier
Signal Boost
Fiber Optics transmit light further without repeatedly needing a signal boost hence making operations easy.
Less Interference
Optical Fibers are not subjected to interference by other
Radioactive waves, or electromagnetic waves.
Water Proof
They can be used in water thus widening their use and not restricted to on-land purposes only.
Tangibility
Fiber optic cables are lighter, stronger, and thinner than traditional copper wires hence they can be easily installed.
Maintenance
Fiber Optics are not very high maintenance. They don’t require servicing or replacement very frequently.
Fiber Internet and Telecommunication
Due to higher bandwidth capacity, it is only suitable for internet providers and the telecom industry along with TV and cable operators to use fiber optics as it enhances picture and voice quality, and fast transmission and streaming backup enables better performance and connectivity.
Some of the advantages of Fiber Optic Internet are as follows.
Speed
Fiber Optic internet speed is around 20 to 30 times more than the traditional cable wire and is around 1 Gbps. If downloading a movie on a cable wire takes up to 7 minutes, with fiber optics internet it will only take up to 40 seconds.
Reliability
Fiber Optics can handle more users and data at higher speed levels consistently. This means that in busy hours your streaming won’t be subject to pauses or video breakages.
No Choking
As fiber optics are less susceptible to overburdening unlike traditional cables, their services almost always remain uninterrupted.
Same Speed for Download and Upload
Unlike the traditional cables that take less time to download but a considerable amount of time to upload. Fiber optics uses the same internet speed to download as well as upload any data.
Higher Quality TV
Higher bandwidth enables high-quality TV experience for its viewers where they can stream their 4K televisions without any delay.
Gaming
High-speed internet enables gamers to enhance their gaming experience with uninterrupted and real-time gaming along with live interaction with other online game players without any lagging.
Connecting with Multiple Devices
Fiber optic internet enables users to connect various devices such as smartphones, laptops, smart speakers, and other smart electronic devices at once with the internet even if live streaming of movies and music is going on simultaneously. High bandwidth can handle the load and easily provide uninterrupted services fulfilling the need for high-speed load-bearing internet.
Safety
A good internet/telecommunication service enables timely and effective communication that can be pivotal in various cases.
Underwater Usage
Due to fewer maintenance problems fiber optics can be used at more high-risk places such as under the water.
Satellite and Military
Fiber Optics are used in outer space and military operations due to their temperature-sensing quality, lightweight, and portability.
Medical
Fiber Optics are ideal for use in the medical field. Since electromagnetic waves don’t interfere with fiber optics, it is ideal for carrying out various tests. It also provides precise illumination and enables biomedical sensors to help in less invasive medical procedures.