Many businesses reach a point where their current internet connection just can’t keep up anymore. Cloud applications feel slower, video calls freeze, and file uploads take longer than they should. That often leads to the same question: What is fiber internet, and why is everyone talking about it?
Fiber is quickly becoming the go-to choice in the U.S., with the average adoption rate reaching 45% in 2024.1 But is it the right choice for your business? In this guide, we’ll explain how fiber internet works, how fast it can get, and why so many organizations choose it when they want a connection that supports productivity and growth.
What Is Fiber Internet?
Fiber internet (also known as fiber optic internet) is a type of broadband connection that sends data as light pulses over fiber-optic cables. These cables are made from ultra-thin glass or plastic fibers and can transmit data over long distances without signal degradation.
Traditional cable and DSL internet solutions rely on copper wiring, so they can only send so much data before the signal slows down or gets distorted. Fiber avoids these issues by using light instead of electricity, resulting in a connection that offers a much higher capacity for speed, bandwidth, and reliability.
What Is Fiber Internet Service?
Fiber internet service refers to how the fiber connection reaches your building. Some bring fiber all the way into your home or office, while others switch to copper for the final distance. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different fiber service types:
- FTTH (Fiber to the Home): Fiber runs directly to the premises.
- FTTP (Fiber to the Premises): Similar to FTTH, often used for businesses.
- FTTN (Fiber to the Node): Uses fiber to reach a cabinet near your building and then switches to copper.
- FTTC (Fiber to the Curb): Fiber stops at the curb outside the location before shifting to coax or copper.
At Fatbeam, we focus on bringing fiber service directly to your building, so you can enjoy true fiber performance rather than losing speed on the final stretch of the connection.
How Does Fiber Internet Work?
Let’s break down how fiber internet works behind the scenes:
- Data Is Transmitted as Light: Fiber-optic cables convert your internet traffic into binary data using laser or LED-generated light pulses.
- Signals Travel Through Optical Fibers: The light travels down the core of the fiber cable via total internal reflection, bouncing along the path with minimal loss.
- An ONT Converts the Signal: An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) at your building receives the signal and turns it into a format your router can use.
- Your Network Distributes the Connection: From there, your internal switches, Ethernet cables, and Wi-Fi network give every device access.
Because fiber doesn’t rely on shared neighborhood bandwidth the way cable networks do, your connection stays consistent throughout the day. Your teams won’t experience the same drop in speed during busy hours or when other businesses nearby are connected.
How Fast Is Fiber Optic Internet?
Speed is one of the top-selling points of fiber – but exactly how fast is fiber internet?
Enterprise-grade fiber internet speeds typically range from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps or more, but not every business needs to invest in the fastest options.
- 100 to 500 Mbps works well for small offices with basic needs.
- 1 Gbps supports larger teams, cloud apps, and consistent video meetings.
- 10 Gbps and up is common for organizations that transfer large files or run mission-critical systems.
Fatbeam’s scalable fiber solutions start at 100 Mbps and scale all the way up to 100 Gbps to meet the needs of businesses across education, healthcare, government, and commercial sectors.
How Fast Is Fiber Internet Compared To Other Technologies?
It’s easier to see the value of fiber when you line it up next to other options. Each internet type uses different technology, which affects speed, reliability, and how well it supports apps like cloud services, video meetings, and remote access.
Here’s a quick chart to help you compare what you get with the most popular internet options:
Fiber clearly outpaces the alternatives, not only in overall speed but also in how smoothly it supports real-time communication and cloud tools.
What Are the Benefits of Fiber Optic Internet?
Fiber internet offers several advantages for businesses beyond raw speeds, including:
Increased Productivity
With fiber, employees can access files, cloud tools, and video meetings without buffering or lag. High upload speeds also enable seamless backups, file sharing, and VoIP calls.
Reliable Connectivity
Fiber cables aren’t affected by distance, weather, or electromagnetic interference in the same way copper lines are, which helps minimize outages and keeps your team connected when it matters most.
Better Performance
Fiber’s naturally low latency improves both voice and video call performance. It also means remote desktops and SaaS apps that need quick response times run more smoothly.
Stronger Security
Fiber is more secure than traditional cables. It’s difficult to tap into without detection, and because the signal is light-based, it doesn’t emit signals that can be intercepted.
Scalable Bandwidth
Fiber grows with your business. Whether you’re opening new locations, hiring more employees, or launching cloud services, fiber makes it easy to scale bandwidth without major construction or equipment upgrades.
Future-Proof Infrastructure
Fiber is the long-term connectivity standard. Bandwidth needs grow with IoT, AI, and hybrid work, but fiber-optic internet helps businesses stay ahead of changing needs.
Make the Switch to Fatbeam Fiber Today
Some organizations move to fiber internet because they don’t want to deal with the ups and downs of cable or DSL anymore. Others make the switch when they open new locations or roll out applications that demand more bandwidth. No matter the reason, fiber offers a reliable foundation to keep your business performing optimally.
Our team at Fatbeam Fiber is here to help you evaluate your options and provide an internet solution that meets your performance and budget needs. We purpose-built our fiber business services to deliver:
- Dedicated connections, not shared bandwidth
- Symmetrical speeds to keep uploads as fast as downloads
- Enterprise SLAs that guarantee uptime and performance
- Customized bandwidth tiers to fit your unique needs
- 24/7 network monitoring and support
As the fastest-growing fiber provider in the West, we’ll help you get started with a fiber internet solution that supports your goals – all with no data caps, no bursting fees, no local loop charge, and zero hidden fees. Contact Fatbeam today.
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