What Is Fibre Optic Broadband and How Does It Work?

It is hard to exist without the internet these days, isn’t it? In a world where everything is online, it only makes sense that we continue to be innovative to provide us with the best connection possible. This is where fibre optic broadband comes in.

Your traditional broadband most likely provides a relatively comfortable service through copper wire, allowing you to stream a show, listen to music, or type up a document, but what happens when you need a bit more speed and power?

Fibre optic broadband provides a much faster service with the help of fibre optic cables, which can help you get on with whatever you need to do at an increased speed.

If you are not convinced that fibre optic is the next best thing since sliced bread, then read on to find out more.

At peak times, pretty much every man and his dog is trying to do the same thing as you, binge-watching shows on Netflix or trying to catch up on additional work. This is why that extra power can make or break your internet experience.

When it’s the peak time for internet users and yours is not the only device connected to your internet, it can massively slow down your experience and something that should take a few seconds can end up taking minutes.

If you want to avoid competing with others to do the simplest of tasks, then fibre optic could well be the solution you are dreaming of.

We could say that the internet is magic and that would probably suffice, but the scientific explanation for fibre optics is that they are a bunch of hair-thin glass tubes, which work by transferring data at quite literally the speed of light. This then gives you a faster broadband connection over its more traditional counterparts.

Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) is more well known as superfast broadband. The way the speed is achieved is by fibre optic cables running between the telephone exchange cabinets on your street. However, it is copper cables that connect the cabinet to your home or business. This is the most common form of broadband, with the majority of the UK using this service. However, that is now dipping, as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) fibre optic broadband becomes a more easily accessible option.

FTTP allows fibre optic cables to run straight from the telephone exchange cabinets right into the property without any need for copper cables, resulting in a much faster broadband connection. The only downside is this is not available everywhere yet – so if you can get it in your area, don’t be afraid to snap it up and reap the benefits.

It is also worth keeping fibre optic broadband in mind to future-proof your business, especially with the rapidly approaching ISDN Switch Off.

While faster speeds are the highlight of fibre optic broadband, let’s take a look at what that actually means in real terms.

• Speed - You won’t have to wait as long for downloads and uploads to be completed, saving you and anyone else time that could be spent elsewhere - whether that is getting on with work or watching seamlessly streamed YouTube animal videos.
• Durability – Fibre optic cables offer an impressive level of durability against our very temperamental British weather. Resistance and electrical interference along with cold weather can make broadband a little less reliable, which is why having that extra protection in place for your internet connection can help you get through even the most miserable of winters.
• Increased Bandwidth – The amount of data you can transfer at any given time is limited no matter whether you use traditional FTTC broadband or FTTP. However, FTTP fibre optics is going to give you much more wiggle room. It has a much higher bandwidth than its older sibling, which means you will be able to enjoy a faster speed even during peak times.
• Improved Connection- With FTTP fibre optic, you are going to benefit from an improved connection whether there is a significant distance between the telephone exchange cabinets and your property or not. This is because fibre optics can transport a much more notable amount of data over more distance than copper wires can.

If you are interested in improving your business broadband services, look no further! We are also here to answer any questions or concerns you might have moving forward and are happy to discuss what options you have to make sure you have everything you need.