15 Essential Benefits of Fiber Internet

You’ve heard it over and over again: fiber optic internet speeds are the best on the market. Maybe you’ve even been told to ditch cable internet, satellite, or even wired internet in favor of fiber’s performance.

But what really separates fiber from the bunch? Is it really all that great, and if so, what are the benefits of a fiber internet connection?

Believe it or not, there are significant benefits to switching to fiber internet, even if you can’t complain about your current internet connection! How you use the internet will determine how fiber will truly affect your experience, but there’s a number of reasons you should consider this faster, safer, more efficient option.

Whether you’ve been considering making the switch or you just want to learn what the big deal about fiber is, we’ll break down the benefits, perks, and features of fiber connections. That way, you can make the call yourself.

What is fiber internet and why should you have it?

Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables, which are bundles of thin glass strands, to transmit data as light signals. This technology has numerous advantages over traditional internet delivery methods. Take DSL or cable for instance, which use copper lines to send electrical signals to establish your online connection. Or even satellite, which runs off internet signals beamed to and from the Earth via satellites.

Want to learn more about fiber internet and how it really works? Check out our post on “What is Fiber Internet?” and learn all about the latest internet innovation.

If you’re considering switching to fiber internet (before you’ve even read about its benefits!) and it’s available in your area, we highly encourage you to make the upgrade. Better yet, we’ll help you find fiber internet near you.

All about speed

If there’s one takeaway you should get from learning about the benefits of fiber internet, it’s the speed. Believe us, the speed is worth the hype. But not just because fiber internet speeds are inherently faster — they’re unparalleled when compared with other forms of internet.

Superior speed

Fiber-optic internet connections offer the fastest speeds on the market. Fiber can deliver data nearly instantaneously, which is essential for high-bandwidth activities like streaming in high definition or gaming.

Fiber internet doesn’t slow down when you have multiple people or devices connected, so your connection is always fast and smooth. Above all, people consider its sheer speed as the top fiber benefit.

Many fiber internet providers offer speeds of up to 1 Gig (1,000 Mbps), though this is just the beginning for the technology. Select providers are beginning to offer plans up to 5 Gigs or even 10 Gigs. The fastest internet speed of 319 terabits per second (Tb/s) was achieved using experimental fiber optic cables; That’s about 7.6 million times faster than your internet at home!

As more advanced fiber-optic cables are laid around the world and even across the ocean floor, internet providers will be able to upgrade speeds quickly and efficiently. Unlike outdated DSL, cable, and satellite internet, we’re only on the precipice of potential speed.

But you probably don’t need the world’s fastest internet, so we’ll break down how fiber internet affects your daily life.

	Dial-up 50 kbps	Satellite 25 Mbps	Cable 100 Mbps	Fiber 1 Gig
Minecraft (1 GB)	~2 days	~5.33 minutes	~1.33 minutes	8 seconds
Taylor Swift Complete Selection on Spotify (1.5)	~2.78 days	~8 minutes	~2 minutes	12 seconds
Pilot episode of Breaking Bad in 4K (17.7 GB)	~32.8 days	~94.4 minutes	~23.6 minutes	141.6 seconds
Oppenheimer 4K UHD (21 GB)	~38.88 days	~1.87 hours	~28 minutes	2.8 minutes

Symmetrical speed

Looking at fiber internet plans, you might wonder “What’s the difference between 100 Mbps of fiber internet and 100 Mbps of cable internet? Aren’t they the same speed?” Don’t get confused – not all Mbps are created equal.

Many internet service providers offer connections with faster download speeds than upload speeds. For instance, a 100 Mbps cable internet plan might only garner upload speeds of 10 Mbps. That’s a pretty big deal if you’re trying to upload a video to Facebook or a presentation for work!

With fiber internet, however, it’s common to have symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload speed is as fast as your download speed. This is crucial for activities like online gaming, video chatting, and uploading large files to the internet.

Lower latency

Ever experience a lagging video call with delay? Latency, or the delay before data transfer begins following an instruction, can be frustratingly high with some types of internet.

But with fiber internet, latency is dramatically lower. Thanks to those symmetrical speeds, fiber optic cables can send and receive signals at nearly the speed of light. If you play video games in your spare time or even professionally, you know how important internet latency for gaming is.

Reliable Connection

In addition to being speedy, fiber internet connections are also highly reliable. They aren’t subject to the same disturbances that can affect traditional copper cables or satellite internet, such as environmental conditions, electrical interference, or even peak traffic hours.

That’s right – if too many people in your home, your neighborhood, or even your region are on the internet at the same time, cable wires become overloaded and slow down. On the other hand, fiber optic cables will never slowdown from high traffic since they can handle more users and data at higher speeds.

The result is an internet connection you can count on, no matter what.

Greater Bandwidth

If you’ve ever experienced a slowdown in internet speed during peak usage times, you know how frustrating it can be. Fiber internet’s greater bandwidth eliminates this issue. Multiple devices can operate simultaneously on a fiber network without affecting overall performance, making it the ideal internet for large households. If your residence has multiple internet users, you’ll have the same speed for uploads and downloads, no matter what.

No throttling, no data caps

Most internet plans today come with data limits. This can really put a damper on your internet use if you’re constantly streaming, gaming, or downloading. If you reach your monthly allowance of data too soon, your internet service provider might throttle or slow down your speed. You might even have to pay extra fees for additional data to get you through.

Though some internet providers might place data limits on fiber internet connections, these limits are more common for internet like cable, wireless internet, and satellite. Thanks to the speed and bandwidth benefits of fiber mentioned earlier, fiber internet often comes with unlimited data. This means, you can binge as many TV shows and game through the night as often as you’d like without a change in your speed or hefty fees.

Distance Doesn’t Matter

With many types of internet, signal strength decreases as the physical distance from the originating station increases. However, fiber-optic signals don’t degrade or lose strength over distance. Believe it or not, fiber optic cables are laid across the ocean floor to connect us around the world! With fiber, you’ll get a strong, clear connection, no matter how far you are from your internet service provider’s station.

Enhanced Security

In an era where cyber threats are increasingly common, internet security is critical. It’s much harder for hackers to breach fiber-optic cables than traditional copper cables, meaning fiber internet users can enjoy a more secure online experience. If a fiber-optic cable is breached, your internet service provider will become of the issue immediately, unlike copper cables.

Resistance to Interference

One of the many benefits of fiber optic internet is that it’s not susceptible to the same types of interference that can affect other types of internet. Electromagnetic interference, often caused by nearby electronic devices or power lines, can degrade or interrupt your internet connection if you’re using cable internet. However, since fiber-optic cables transmit data as light signals, they’re immune to this type of interference.

If you’ve ever used satellite internet, you know just how common interference is with storms and even high winds. More often than not, fiber internet can continue working even if you lose power!

Cost-effective in the long run

Despite potentially higher initial installation costs, fiber internet tends to be more cost-effective in the long run. The durability and low maintenance of fiber-optic cables mean fewer costs for repairs or replacements. Furthermore, the enhanced productivity that comes from faster, more reliable internet can also translate into financial savings, making fiber internet a worthwhile investment.

Durability

Fiber-optic cables are more durable than traditional copper cables. They are resistant to corrosion, weather conditions, and temperature fluctuations, all of which can wear down and damage copper cables over time. This means less need for repairs or replacements and fewer interruptions to your service.

Eco-Friendly

In addition to being efficient and effective, fiber internet is also eco-friendly. Fiber-optic cables are more energy-efficient than copper cables and have a longer lifespan, which reduces waste. They also require less cooling in data centers, further reducing their environmental impact.

Cloud Access

Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses operate and how individuals store data. Fiber internet makes accessing cloud apps faster and more efficient. It also improves tasks like data storage, backup, and using software-as-a-service apps.

Future-Proof Technology

Fiber-optic internet is well-equipped to handle future advances in technology, more so than any other type of internet. If you’re been around since the beginning of the internet, you know how quickly it can change!

As demand for internet bandwidth continues to grow, fiber internet is ready to meet this challenge. It’s a smart investment in the future of your connectivity. No one wants to be saddled with outdated technology and internet connection, which is why fiber is the future-proof choice.

Improved video calls and conferences

Whether it’s a meeting with remote colleagues or a virtual family reunion, video conferencing has become a key part of our lives. Fiber internet enhances the quality of video calls, making them smoother and clearer, thanks to its high speed and low latency. Say goodbye to delayed or grainy calls with fiber!

Who is Fiber Good For?

Despite the numerous benefits of fiber internet, it’s not the best fit for everyone. Depending on how you use the internet will determine if you’re able to reap all of fiber internet’s perks.

If you’re someone who just uses the internet to check email and grocery shop, fiber internet might be a stretch for you.

But if you’re a modern-day internet user, it’s likely fiber is your ideal connection.

Gamers and streamers

If you’re day-to-day internet usage consists of gaming or streaming, fiber connection is the right choice for you. Both gaming and streaming require consistent, reliable connection, as well as high-quality imaging. These activities are also data heavy, which can affect your speed or bill if you have limits on your data.

Gamers who play professionally or daily know how important low latency is. Fiber is the best way to play seamlessly, without lag and delayed feedback.

Remote workers and students

Anyone running a business, launching a career, or obtaining a degree from home can tell you how often they’re glued to the computer screen. Both professional and educational activities require constant file uploads and downloads, virtual meetings, and digital conferencing.

Whether you’re tuning into a virtual lecture or hosting your own webinar, you’ll need a steady connection to streamline the content you’re creating and consuming.

If you have little ones at home who need to stay plugged into the classroom online, fiber is also an excellent option. Work on your projects without the fear of overburdening your connection when they’re signed on simultaneously. Learning and business work smoother on fiber internet.

Large households, multiple devices

If your home is filled with people, smart devices, or both, fiber internet keeps you all plugged in no matter what. If you like to stream while your partner games, or work on projects while the kids study, a fiber connection will give you consistent high speeds without slowdowns. That way, everyone in the house can enjoy the same speed at the same time.

Conclusion

The benefits of fiber internet are clear, from faster speeds and higher reliability to improved security, and eco-friendliness. Whether you’re comparing fiber vs DSL, fiber vs cable, or any other type of internet, fiber clearly offers a superior experience. As our world continues to demand more and more from our internet connections, fiber internet stands ready to meet these demands.

Ready to make the switch to fiber internet today? Consider EarthLink Fiber Internet, with speeds up to 5 Gigs, no throttling, unlimited data caps, and all the fiber optic internet benefits above! If you’re ready for high-speed internet, team up with the largest provider of internet in the U.S., covering 96% of the 48 continental states. Ditch big internet and find better service with a provider that connects you to what matters most.