Fiber optic internet is a network connectivity service that relies on pulsed light in the infrared spectrum running through bundled strands of glass. It offers a higher capacity and speed than broadband internet services that rely on copper-based wires, such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable internet. It is widely available in the consumer and business markets as a stand-alone dedicated service or, more typically, on a shared subscriber line.
How does fiber internet work?
Fiber optic cable is made up of hundreds of strands of glass, each about 1/10th the diameter of a human hair. At the network service provider or internet service provider (ISP), network signals are converted to light and sent into a glass strand. The data is a pulsating, modulated beam of light in the infrared spectrum that follows the inside contours of the strand, bouncing off the cladding that comprises the outside surface. Light passes through this medium for long distances at about 70% of the speed of light. At the point of service, an optical network terminal (ONT) is connected to the fiber optic cable service line. This ONT converts the light signals back to data signals, as a modem would do for a broadband connection.
What are the benefits of fiber internet?
- High-speed internet and bandwidth: Transmission rates and bandwidth greatly exceed other broadband internet service types. What makes this possible is that the frequency of light in the infrared bandwidth is much greater than the radio frequency carried by the copper wire of DSL or cable. Symmetrical download and upload speeds delivered by fiber internet are ideal for applications such as online video conferencing.
- Reliable connections and less downtime: Fiber internet is not affected by weather and power outages and requires far less hardware and support infrastructure that can fail. Line noise and radio frequency interference is not a factor with optical fiber. Eliminating these risks makes fiber internet an excellent choice for reliable service.
- Scalability for future growth: Fiber internet can be easily expanded to support a growing business and increasing bandwidth demands in the future.
- Better signal strength over longer distances: Copper-wired radio frequency-based systems require signal amplifiers at relatively short intervals. Fiber optic cables can transmit a signal at great distances without signal loss or distortion.
- Enhanced data security: As a technical matter, the data signal in fiber internet is much more difficult to tap, eavesdrop or capture than traditional broadband technologies. Data is routinely encrypted by the most secure protocols. Higher-tier Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) plans go one step further, offering exclusive use for a circuit and aggressive 24/7 monitoring.
Is fiber internet better than other connections?
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable internet, wireless and satellite connections are slower and offer less bandwidth capacity than fiber internet. DSL is a legacy technology telecommunications providers offer as a piggyback service to phone lines on the same unshielded wires. It operates within a very narrow range in the radio frequency spectrum. This limitation is a severe constraint on bandwidth and speed. Network conditions on this shared service also negatively impact performance.
Cable internet is another service that operates across a line that is shared by hundreds or thousands of other users. Unlike DSL, it uses a shielded coaxial cable that enables a broader radio frequency spectrum range. While the bandwidth capacity of this copper-wire medium is significantly improved over DSL, its frequencies cannot match the speed of those used in optical fiber internet.
Satellite and wireless internet technology use radio frequency signals, typically in the microwave band, in a line-of-sight connection. Either based on a two-way transmission from a cell tower or an orbiting satellite, the concept is similar. Like DSL and cable internet, these services are shared, but unlike fiber internet they come with an acute vulnerability to adverse weather conditions. Bandwidth and speed can be constrained based on the transmitter’s capacity, and security is more of a concern with a signal that can be picked out of the air.
Fiber internet considerations
Fiber internet technologies present some challenges to install and maintain, but in the hands of a reputable service provider, this should not impact your business. Aspects of the installation, such as how the utility will access the property with service, need to be carefully planned. The optimal placement of a line is underground within a protective conduit. By the nature of the material, fiber optic cables are not easily bent around corners and can be fragile. Signal loss can be caused by damage or flexing beyond the cable’s specification. Systems can be a challenge to repair and require specialized equipment and skilled technicians to work on. Initial installation costs can be significant, but the long-term cost efficiency more than compensates for this. Overall, fiber internet is an excellent choice for business, but we recommend careful planning to prevent issues during installation and use.
Lumen offers several types of business fiber internet for any size of business. Lumen® Internet On-Demand, Lumen® Dedicated Internet Access and Lumen® High Speed IP provide high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity and a network experience that is easy to configure and simple to purchase and install.
Lumen is a global leader in internet solutions, recognized for scalability, availability and reliability. Contact us today to explore fast fiber internet access.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and may require additional research and substantiation by the end user. In addition, the information is provided “as is” without any warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied. Use of this information is at the end user’s own risk. Lumen does not warrant that the information will meet the end user’s requirements or that the implementation or usage of this information will result in the desired outcome of the end user. All third-party company and product or service names referenced in this article are for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with Lumen. This document represents Lumen products and offerings as of the date of issue. Services not available everywhere. Lumen may change or cancel products and services or substitute similar products and services at its sole discretion without notice. ©2025 Lumen Technologies. All Rights Reserved.
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