Order Now
What is Fiber?
Last Updated on May 12, 2022 by Arsalan Dezham
Today, a fast and reliable internet connection is at the top of the list for those looking to upgrade their internet. But finding what works for you can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure what you need precisely.
CenturyLink offers customers copper and fiber internet solutions. Both are high-speed internet options, but they operate in different ways. Deciding what works best for you will depend on your knowledge of each.
Let’s explore fiber compared to cable internet, how fiber internet works, and the benefits of fiber internet.
Fiber vs. Cable Internet
Fiber internet, sometimes called Fiber-optic internet, is the transfer of data by light signals through thin, protected glass wires that could give you access to the internet at a much faster rate.
Copper internet, on the other hand, uses copper telephone cables to send data signals to your modem. An Ethernet cable connects directly to your computer or a router from the modem, giving you access to the internet.
How Fiber Internet works
Fiber-optic cables, also known as fiber cables, are hair-thin lines of optically pure glass or plastic that power fiber internet and deliver TV, Internet, and voice services to residential and business customers all across the U.S. These cables transmit data as pulses of light, which significantly increase connection speed and distance capacities.
For you, this means faster speeds and a reliable connection even with multiple devices connected since the network can send and receive more data at one time.
Benefits of Fiber Internet
Fiber internet has many notable benefits.
High speed
Compared to cable, fiber internet is much faster with symmetrical upload and download speeds. CenturyLink’s fiber internet speeds can reach up to 940 Mbps, while copper internet speeds only go up to 100 Mbps.
Speed may not be available in your area.
Large bandwidth
Fiber-optic cables transmit data as light pulses and can carry a lot of information over a short amount of time. Increased bandwidth is a plus for those needing a large amount of data transmitted over the internet.
Increased security
Internet security is a growing concern. While no connection is entirely invulnerable to hacking, fiber lines are often more complicated to infiltrate than other connection types.
Reliable connection
Since data is transmitted as light instead of electricity, environmental and electrical interference is less likely to affect the connection. CenturyLink even has a 99.9% reliable network.*
*Based on network uptime or availability
FAQs
Fiber internet is some of the fastest internet you can get. It works by transmitting data over fiber-optic cable with light beams, delivering speeds of up to 940 Mbps.
Keep in mind that copper and fiber provide an internet connection, and both have benefits. However, depending on your needs, fiber internet may be better for you with its fast speeds and reliability.
Are you looking to upgrade your internet service? Adding fiber to your life is easy with CenturyLink fiber-optic internet. Check availability in your area here.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and may require additional research and substantiation by the end user. In addition, the information is provided “as is” without any warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied. Use of this information is at the end user’s own risk. CenturyLink does not warrant that the information will meet the end user’s requirements or that the implementation or usage of this information will result in the desired outcome of the end user. This document represents CenturyLink’s products and offerings as of the date of issue. Services not available everywhere. Business customers only. CenturyLink may change or cancel products and services or substitute similar products and services at its sole discretion without notice.
