People who remember the years of dial-up internet service will love newer internet options. They may choose fixed wireless, satellite, cable, DSL, and fiber. Many people choose between cable and fiber.
Fiber offers numerous benefits over cable because it can deliver faster download and upload speeds. It uses the speed of light to do so and is very reliable. However, there are times when a person might choose cable internet. It comes down to availability, pricing, and bundling options. How is Wyyerd compared to Cox?
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Cable Types
Cable internet relies on coaxial cables to transmit data to and from a person’s home—the same cables that bring television to a person’s house. Insulating and protective sheathing surround a solid or woven copper wire that transmits the signals. The problem with cable is signal strength and quality, which are impacted by numerous factors, including distance and network congestion.
Fiber internet uses fiber optic cables or thin glass strands to transmit data using light signals. These cables can carry larger amounts of data at lightning-fast speeds. They maintain signal strength and quality as they travel long distances but are more expensive than their coaxial counterparts. Laying fiber optic cables can be challenging logistically, so this internet option is not readily available today.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Cable Internet
Most homes in America today can benefit from cable internet. Download speeds for this option can reach 100 megabytes per second, while upload speeds are typically capped at 20 megabytes per second. The cost is affordable for most, and cable modems can be installed anywhere in a user’s home, allowing for a better connection.
However, cable internet cannot achieve the same speeds as fiber internet. When many people use the cable connection simultaneously, the service will slow. In addition, cable internet providers often impose data caps and charges for equipment. They may require customers to sign contracts and are known for regular price hikes.
Fiber Internet Pros and Cons
Fiber internet is the fastest connection option available today. Users love the synchronous upload and download speeds and appreciate the reliability of this service. Latency is never an issue with fiber internet because the cables are not subject to interference like cable connections. While the fiber price appears higher when a person first researches their options, the cost per megabyte per second is lower overall. In addition, fiber internet providers charge fewer fees and are less likely to raise prices regularly.
Consumers may not have access to fiber internet now because, according to the Federal Communications Commission, less than half of American households are serviced by this option. Individuals in urban and suburban areas are more likely to have the option of using fiber internet. Fiber internet costs more initially, and most providers do not offer internet bundles.
Pricing
One thing fiber and cable internet have in common is that prices often depend on speed. A lower price means lower speeds. However, consumers need to learn whether they are being offered introductory pricing or if this will be the price they pay in the long term. Many providers offer a low initial cost to draw people in and raise the price significantly over time.
Consumers must consider their needs and what providers are available when deciding between fiber and cable internet. Many experts believe fiber is the wave of the future, but individuals may find their current cable plan meets their needs. If so, they may wish to stay with that provider.
