Today, when it comes to broadband services, the two most popular forms are cable connection and fiber optic connection. Each of these mediums differs on various parameters such as internet speed, bandwidth, reliability and consistency, cost, and availability. In this article, we compare these two types of broadband. Read on, especially if you are planning to set up a new internet connection and are confused with regard to which type of broadband to select.
What is Fiber Optic Connection?
In fiber optic technology, data are transmitted through hundreds of strands of glass fibers that are present in a compact optical fiber cable. This data transmission takes place in the form of light and hence, the speed at which the transfer takes place is really high, irrespective of the distance the data has to cover.
Features:
- With the fiber optic connection, you can receive speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. This is why it is the fastest broadband medium available today.
- Not only are the speeds fast, but with a fiber optic connection, both the download and upload speeds are symmetrical i.e. equal.
- The bandwidth that you receive is also very high so more volumes of data can be transmitted in one go, which also contributes to the high-speed internet connection.
- The connection is highly reliable and consistent as it is not affected by a number of factors such as electrical interferences, distance from the source, weather conditions, etc.
- It is the most secure broadband connection as there is no loss of signal and a break in the cable will shut down the entire network.
What is Cable Connection?
A cable connection is offered by the same service providers you offer cable TV to your homes. It involves using already laid down cable TV wires to transmit data. So, along with video, the same cable also transfers data as well.
Features:
- As the existing cable infrastructure is already laid, this type of broadband services is cost-effective.
- It offers speeds that can go up to 100 Mbps.
- In this type of connection, along with cable TV and internet, you can also gain telephone services as well. So, the ISPs can offer bundled services that include TV, telephone and internet all in one pack.
- This connection type is easily accessible and found in most areas.
Fibre Optic Vs Cable – The Comparison
| Fibre Optic Connection | Cable Connection | |
| Technology | Makes use of optical fibre cables to transmit data | Makes use of cable TV wires to transmit data |
| Internet Speed | Super High. Internet speed can go up to 1000 Mbps | High. Internet speeds can go up to 100 Mbps |
| Type of Speed | Symmetrical (Download and upload speeds are equal) | Asymmetrical (Download speed is higher than upload speed) |
| Reliability | Very reliable and super consistent with minimum interferences, lags and glitches | Moderately reliable. Gets affected by issues related to EMI, distance, power failure, etc. |
| Accessibility | Medium – Still expanding | High – Easily available |
| Cost | High – It is comparatively expensive than cable | Low – As the infrastructure is already laid it is comparatively cheaper |
Also Read: What’s the Difference between Broadband vs Wi-Fi?
Conclusion
Among the two types of broadband services, the best is definitely the fiber optic connection. If you find this type available in your locality, opt for this connection only.
