How fiber optics works: advantages and disadvantages

Although it has been a reality for a long time and there are many people who use fiber optics on a daily basis, there is still a great lack of knowledge about how fiber optic works , its advantages or differences with ADSL . However, it is interesting to get to know it to be clear about what it offers and what can be required of it.

How counted fiber optics works easily

Sometimes technicalities confuse us when we try to understand concepts in a simplified way. We are not going to enter into terms only within the reach of those who are already experts to answer what is fiber optics. Fiber optics is a technology based on the controlled manipulation of light inside a cable. This has special terminations and is given on special plates that make the transmission of this possible fiber optics jobs.

Currently there are two types of fiber optics that we can use in our homes or businesses. These are  HFC or Hibrid Fiber Coaxial   and FTTH or hybrid coaxial fiber . What the operators market so that users have a fiber optic connection is a hybrid system between fiber optics and coaxial cable.

Currently, not all operators in the Spanish market offer the same type of fiber. Some offer one or the other type depending on which area . For this reason, it is important that if you plan to contract this service, you know its differences and be able to find out what type of optical fiber each marketer offers you. So you can make a better informed decision about who and what exactly to hire.

Main differences between HFC and FTTH fiber optics

FTTH fiber optic offers faster internet connection speed

However, it is not yet a mature technology or, at least, some experts point out. It is not necessary to know in detail how fiber optics works to understand that FTTH is faster but that it is not yet fully developed, although it can be used without problems and by the user with all the guarantees.

HFC networks do not stand the test of time well

HFC has more FTTH losses

Another issue that is important to consider and value is that HFC technology has more losses than FTTH . Generally this is due to the fact that the HFC does not go directly to the connection point of the home or company , and the copper cable that is between the connection and to the home or space in which it is going to be used, loses speed. In contrast, FTTH technology reaches the point of connection without any loss.

HFC's ease of installation, one of its biggest advantages

HFC is much easier to install than FTTH. This usually means lower cost and faster installation .

Fiber optic test or how to know if you get what you pay for

One of the doubts of many fiber optic users is if they are really receiving the speed they are paying for . The easiest way is through a fiber optic test, which is nothing more than an internet connection speed test .

You don't need to know how fiber optics works or have advanced technical knowledge about it to find out. There are many web portals that offer this type of test for free to users. These reliably measure the actual connection speed you are getting. The same happens if we speak from the field of wireless connections .

Although the ideal is to test it on more than one website and at different times, as not all detect the bottlenecks of the connection and could sometimes provide not totally reliable data. A multi - sampling will allow collating data and get a true picture of your connection speed fiber optic.

The HFC networks combine the fiber optic cable . The latter does not age well, suffers over time, needs revision , often patches or replacements, and may suffer falls. This with fiber does not occur, and it is important to know and take it into account.