Fiber-optic internet is a new type of internet connection that is becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands. Fiber-optic internet is now available almost everywhere, with the exception of a few locations. We often find that people are still hesitant to choose a fiber-optic connection, even though it actually offers many advantages. In this article, we’ll discuss what those advantages are!
What is a fiber-optic network?
Fiber optics transmit digital information through wafer-thin glass fibers using laser light. This results in much faster download and upload speeds. The way a fiber-optic network transmits information can be compared to Morse code signaling. Fiber optics transmit digital information using laser light, just as Morse code does by flashing a light. Fiber optics flashes the laser light at lightning speed; the faster it goes, the faster the information is transmitted. The fiber-optic modem then converts the light signals into a usable signal for the internet, phone calls, and television.
The benefits of fiber-optic internet
If you get your internet connection via fiber optics, there are many benefits:
- Lightning-fast internet: When you choose fiber optic internet, you’re choosing the fastest network in the Netherlands. Most providers offer speeds of up to 8,000 Mbps.
- Faster downloads and uploads: A fiber-optic connection offers download and upload speeds that are equally fast. This means you have what’s known as a “symmetrical connection.” That’s a major advantage, because with other types of connections, the upload speed is significantly lower than the download speed. Do you have your own YouTube channel, for example? Then having a high upload speed is ideal!
- A stable connection: If you use a fiber-optic connection, you’ll always have access to the network’s maximum speed. Nothing affects the stability of your internet connection—not your neighbors, not the weather, and not other electronic devices.
- Lower energy consumption: A fiber-optic connection uses less energy than other types of connections. That’s certainly a nice bonus these days. Fiber-optic technology consumes less energy because it uses laser light rather than electricity. In addition, research shows that fiber-optic network equipment is 60% more energy-efficient.
- More freedom: In the Netherlands, the fiber-optic network is open to other providers. In principle, any provider can offer its plans here, giving you, the consumer, more freedom of choice.
Does fiber optics have any drawbacks?
Fiber optics has more advantages than disadvantages, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any downsides at all. Connecting a TV via a fiber-optic network is a drawback that’s often mentioned. To do this, you need a network cable between your modem and your TV. Most people have coaxial cabling in their homes, but no UTP network. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions to connect your TV to your fiber-optic connection. Another disadvantage of fiber-optic internet is its limited availability in the Netherlands. Currently, about 40% of people in our country still do not have access to a fiber-optic connection. Finally, a fiber-optic connection is generally more expensive than other types of internet connections. On the other hand, you do get faster and more stable internet!