Fiber optic technology is the next generation of high-speed internet, with the potential to change almost every aspect of how we live and work. Because it offers blazing-fast speeds and incredible bandwidth, fiber is already replacing outdated cable and phone lines in many areas. The guide below discusses more about fiber optic internet services.

Fun Facts About Fiber Optic Internet

1. Fiber Is Extremely Fast

Fiber is the fastest internet technology available, offering speeds starting at 15 Mbps for most users. By comparison, cable usually tops out at 12, and DSL only offers half the speed of fiber. However, some tests have shown speeds of over 30 terabytes per second, enough to transfer an entire HD movie in a fraction of a second.

2. It Dates Back to the Roman Empire

Fiber optic cable uses thin glass filaments to transmit light pulses that contain data. The underlying technology was first developed by the Ancient Romans, who were the first to draw glass into fibers. In 1973, Bell Laboratories developed a process for producing ultra-transparent glass fibers that could be mass-produced affordably.

3. Fiber Optic Cable is Environmentally Friendly

Unlike other telecom technologies, which require massive amounts of copper, fiber optic cable is made of silica. This is the most abundant mineral on earth, and can be found in rocks, earth, and clay all over the world. This substantially reduces the environmental impact of investing in new telecommunications infrastructure.

4. Fiber Networks Are Strong

Each glass fiber in a cable is thinner than a strand of human hair and it's strong. These cables have eight times the pulling strength of similar copper lines, and are immune to disruption from electromagnetic fields and the weather. The military and NASA both rely on fiber optic cables to keep systems running, thanks to their reliability and the strength of their networks.

5. Fiber Is More Secure

Traditional communication technology uses electricity to transmit data, which makes it vulnerable to hackers and data thieves. Fiber, on the other hand, relies on pulses of light. Even with the most sophisticated equipment, cybercriminals would have a hard time reconstructing data intercepted over a fiber optic line. This is another reason why fiber is the preferred choice for banks, government agencies, and other organizations that require strict security.

Since the 1950s, NHTC has been keeping homes throughout North Alabama connected to the world. Their fiber optic internet service offers 1 Gbps upload and download speeds, with affordable plans to suit any budget. Visit their website to learn more about their cutting-edge internet services, or call (256) 723-4211 to sign up today.