Technology allowing for internet connection is experiencing an ongoing evolution. If we look back on how we used to connect to the net, we will realize that analog modems were able to reach a speed of just a few Mbps. For this reason, the roll-out of networks in fiber optics and coaxial cable is truly relevant and has brought about remarkable advances in terms of speed. In fact, this is an ever-expanding field in which more investment is being made.
There are, though, some differences between these two connection methods, since each of them delivers different results. At Televes, we have been designing solutions fitted with both technologies for years, that is why we would like to show you their differences.
Features of fiber optics
Fiber-optic networks are a great option to connect homes and companies to the net. Fiber-optic cables are made of transparent materials – such as glass or plastic – because their main goal is to convey light pulses through them. Fun fact: fiber-optic technology was first used to perform medical procedures – such as endoscopies – long before it was applied to data transportation.
Created from fiber-optic cables, these networks can transport data with high capacity and reduced attenuation. By doing so, links of many kilometers long can be obtained while signal does not lose quality. Besides, as their performance depends on the transportation of light photons – not on electric currents as happens with coaxial cable – they are not affected by electromagnetic interference (which does disturb technologies fitted with copper cables). As it travels through optic cables, light will always be enclosed in them.
The main advantage of fiber optics over coaxial cable is that light is faster than electrons, which is synonymous with fastest Internet speed. Light signal is isolated, so there is no way that other signals can interfere here.
Using fiber optics is good, but it is not all gravy. The main drawback of fiber optics is its fragility, because it is made from very frail materials. It is very easy to break it and, if you apply pressure on the cable, the refraction index will change, leading to a loss of light in such area.
Features of coaxial cable
Coaxial cables transport data through electric signals, and this has both its benefits and flaws. As we have mentioned before, they are likely to experience electromagnetic interference and signal attenuation caused by cable losses due to its length.
As a solution, amplifiers can be implemented in those sections where the coaxial cable will be installed. We must take care of its configuration, since reamplifying involves an increase in noise and, thus, a decrease of the quality of signal.
It is worth mentioning another feature of the coaxial cable: it only takes a small part of the installation of the whole network. In many cases, it is implemented with the fiber to create HFC (Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial) networks.
Unlike classic fiber-optic networks, coaxial cable only reaches the residential area where the end user is, and not the user’s latest connection point.
Coaxial cable will be deployed from the demarcation point to reach the users. That is, the total speed of the network will be distributed among the members of the area as opposed to the fiber that will reach higher connection speed rates. In theory, the maximum levels of the coaxial cable as for data transmission is 10 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload. Effectively, these speeds will be normally lower at user level.
Fiber optics or coaxial cable: Which connection method should I stick with?
As we have observed, both methods have their pros and cons; you will lean towards fiber or coaxial depending on the type of project to be carried out. Connections through fiber optics bring you higher speeds compared with coaxial. Their limitations are still under study and it is speculated on a dramatic increase in the years to come.
However, today’s coaxial connections are more than enough to meet the residential demand and are offered as a more robust solution – or at least, not so frail. It is most likely that fiber optics is the technology of the future, but these two connection methods can still share the present.
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