What Is Fibre Optic Broadband and How Does It Work?

Fibre optic broadband is high-speed broadband that uses fibre optic cables instead of copper. Fibre optic is considerably better when transferring online data whatever it be, streaming movies or music, whatever you use the internet for, fibre optic makes it quicker.

In this blog, we will share some of the benefits of fibre broadband and the different types.

Do you need fibre optic?

In short yes, but why? Picture this, you’re working, it’s the peak time for internet users and yours is not the only device connected to your internet. This isn’t just happening to you, there are 100s of other homes and businesses trying to access the internet at the same time which could mean slower download speeds.

Is there anything more annoying than trying to download some important files which should only take 10 minutes taking an hour? In the world of work, it's in the top 3!

If the above sounds familiar then you will most likely benefit from fibre broadband.

How does fibre optic broadband work?

Fibre optics are a bundle of hair-thin glass tubes which can transfer data quite literally at the speed of light, giving you the faster broadband connection you desire.

What are the two types of fibre broadband connections FTTC and FTTP?

FTTC stands for Fibre To The Cabinet which is more commonly known as superfast broadband. Fibre optic cables run between the phone cabinet on your street and the telephone exchange from here, standard copper is used connecting the cabinet and your home/business.

FTTP means Fibre To The Premises which is the fastest type of internet available. This is when the fibre optic cable runs from the telephone exchange directly to your home. Unfortunately, FTTP is not currently available everywhere in the UK.

How fast is Fibre?

FTTP connections offer a minimum of 300Mbps say Ofcom. But as the majority of connections in the UK are FTTC you can expect to have a minimum of 30Mbps.

The actual speed you’ll receive with FTTC will depend on the distance you are from your street cabinet or telephone exchange.

Apart from the above, other factors which may affect your internet speeds are:

• Time of day

• Number of users on the network

• Speed of device

• Internal wiring

What are the benefits of fibre broadband?

The main plus side is internet speed, you’ll spend less time waiting for things to upload/download increasing the overall productivity of your team.

Durability, fibre optic cables are more resistant to electrical interference and cold weather, both of which may make your internet connection worse.

An increased amount of bandwidth, which is the amount of data you can transfer at one given time. If you have a low bandwidth your internet speed is slow and will be even slower during peak times.

Improved connection regardless of the distance to the telephone exchange or phone cabinet as fibre optic transports a large amount of data over more distance when compared to copper wires.

If you want more information, advice or to discuss our IP business phone options then get in touch with our knowledgeable team of tech experts on 0333 323 3888.