There are two big guns when it comes to getting internet for your home, fiber optic and cable internet connection. While both of them have their own sets of pros and cons, it can be hard to decide which one you should get for yourself.
I’ve experienced both of the internet connection types enough to explain how well each of them works. Read ahead to find out more so that you can decide which one is better!
Structure
A cable internet connection uses the same type of cable used for TV service. These cables are called “Coaxial cables,” and they comprise a copper core, an insulating sheath, aluminum and copper shields, and an external plastic layer.
A cable internet connection offers great download and upload speeds, which is one of its strongest suits. Not only is a cable internet connection fast, but it also ensures reliability and availability throughout most of the United States.
A prime example of this is Xfinity, which offers staggering internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps, which is more than enough to cater to your internet needs, such as streaming, online gaming, and even running smart home devices on it. You can look into Xfinity Internet plans to get a cable internet connection at a price that doesn’t break the bank!
On the other hand, a fiber internet connection is slightly different from a cable internet connection. It uses fiber optic lines to deliver your internet service from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to your home or office. The greatest edge that a fiber internet connection has is that it offers lightning-fast download and upload speeds.
The way an optic fiber cable works is fascinating. It uses LED or light impulses to transmit data. These pulses denote the ones and zeroes that are the basic units of data. At the core of each fiber optic cable, there is a core that is either made out of glass or plastic. Then, there is a device in your home that receives these light impulses and interprets the data, giving you a fast internet connection.
Internet Speeds
The first thing you need to see when getting a new internet connection is the speed it offers. For a cable internet connection, the download and upload speeds start at 100 Mbps and go up to 2 Gbps. These speeds are more than enough to cater to individuals or even larger families. Such kind of speeds make activities like streaming and online gaming a breeze!
On the contrary, a fiber internet connection offers symmetrical internet speeds. Fiber internet connections start from 100 Mbps and can go up to an astonishing 5 Gbps speed! This is great not just for homes but for offices as well. So if anything, a fiber optic internet connection definitely takes the lead in terms of speed.
Internet Cost
Another important factor to consider when getting an internet connection out of the two is the price tag. You wouldn’t want to go for the option that demands a hefty chunk out of your budget, right? A cable internet connection can cost you from $15 to $120 monthly.
However, a fiber internet connection costs from $20 to $900, depending on which internet speed you opt for. This goes to show that a fiber internet connection costs a lot more than a cable internet connection. However, if you choose a reasonable internet speed for yourself, you can justify the cost.
Keeping both of the price points in mind, cable internet is more affordable than fiber.
Availability
While a fiber internet connection gives you better speeds, all that glitters isn’t gold. There is a downside to fiber internet, and that is availability. Setting up a fiber internet connection is a demanding task since the optic cables run deep underground. This is why fiber internet is only available in 43% of the United States, which includes most of the urban areas.
On the flip side, cable internet is available throughout most of the United States. There is an 82% availability rate of cable internet in the United States. This means that wherever you go in the United States, it is very likely that you will find access to a cable internet connection.
Which One Should You Go For?
It’s a pretty tough call between the two, but if you prefer availability and cost-effectiveness over everything else, then you should get a cable internet connection. However, if you prefer internet performance and reliability the most, then a fiber internet connection is your way to go!
