Fiber Optics

Definition

Fiber optics is the technology used by internet services such as Verizon Fios home internet to transmit information as pulses of light through strands of fiber made of glass or plastic over long distances. Fiber optic broadband has historically been limited in where it is offered, though the U.S. Department of Energy is evaluating the feasibility of expanding fiber optic networks. (See if Verizon Fios fiber optics is available in your area.)

Optical fibers are about the diameter of a strand of human hair and when bundled into a fiber-optic cable, they’re capable of transmitting more data over longer distances and faster than other mediums. It is this technology that provides homes and businesses with fiber-optic internet, phone and TV services.

Fiber-optic cables

A fiber-optic cable contains anywhere from a few to hundreds of optical fibers within a plastic casing. Also known as optic cables or optical fiber cables, they transfer data signals in the form of light and travel hundreds of miles significantly faster than those used in traditional electrical cables. And because fiber-optic cables are non-metallic, they are not affected by electromagnetic interference (i.e. lightening) that can reduce speed of transmission. Fiber cables are also safer as they do not carry a current and therefore cannot generate a spark.

What is a fiber-optic network?

There are several different types of fiber-optic networks but they all begin with optic cables running from the network hub to the curb near your home or straight to your home to provide a fiber-optic internet connection. The fastest type of fiber network is called Fiber to the Home (FTTH) or Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) because it’s a 100% fiber-optic connection with optical fiber cables installed to terminals directly connected to houses, apartment buildings and businesses.

On the other hand, Fiber to the Curb (FTTC) is a partial fiber connection because the optical cables run to the curb near homes and businesses and copper cables carry the signals from the curb the rest of the way. Similarly, Fiber to the Building (FTTB) is when fiber cable goes to a point on a shared property and the other cabling provides the connection to offices or other spaces.

Fiber-optic internet

Fios -- the most awarded network for internet service satisfaction over the past 10 years.

Now that you know how fiber optics work, let’s talk about the many benefits of fiber-optic speed.

When you’re on a FTTH network, you’ll experience significantly faster upload and download speeds, more bandwidth for multiple devices at home and a reliable connection. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with Verizon Fios, the 100% fiber-optic network.

Fios Gigabit Connection in select areas offers speeds of up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload. You’ll enjoy HD streaming, gaming, video conferencing and so much more on up 100 devices at a time –virtually lag-free. No wonder Fios has been rated #1 by industry leaders time and again. Shop for Verizon Fios and see if fiber internet is available in your area.

_Citations:

_{National Science Foundation. Fiber Optics.} 

_{U.S. Department of Energy’s 2020 Report on Fiber Optics Feasibility}