There’s a dizzying number of internet companies and options available to consumers across the country in the 2020s. Three of the most talked-about technologies are fiber-optic internet, 5G wireless internet, and Starlink satellite internet. Each of these promises internet users high speeds and reliability—but are they genuinely equal?
If you’re confused or unsure about your internet choices and are exhausted by the near-constant inundation of advertising and junk mail offers, we don’t blame you! To help you navigate the bewildering world of internet technologies, we break down the key differences between these three options and explain why fiber internet, such as BeresfordTel’s advanced fiber network, is the clear winner for most users.
Fiber Internet
We begin with fiber (short for “fiber-optic internet”)—and as you’ll quickly see, it’s simply the best option for high-speed internet today. Fiber uses light signals transmitted through tiny, ultra-thin strands of glass-like fibers to send data from servers to your home or business at nearly the speed of light!
Its physical cables are sturdy and flexible, typically installed underground to protect them. Thanks to its sophisticated materials, fiber is extremely reliable, offering a connection that’s not easily affected by weather or other interference that plagues other forms of internet.
Fiber internet is also the fastest available internet option on the market today. Critically, its speeds are symmetrical, providing spectacular speeds for downloading and uploading. Indeed, fiber’s download speeds can reach an astounding 10 Gbps or more!
Fiber can also handle massive amounts of bandwidth, supporting multiple users and devices without slowdowns, making it perfect for households with multiple users or smart devices. This unlimited bandwidth capacity and fiber’s amazingly low latency (around 1-2 milliseconds) make video conference calling, streaming TV and movies, online gaming, and watching and sharing videos a frustration-free experience!
5G Wireless Internet
Next, we turn to another internet option that promises high-speed internet in ads, billboards, and mailers: 5G wireless internet. 5G is a cellular technology—yes, like the technology used for cell phone calling. It utilizes high-frequency radio waves to deliver data to mobile phones, home routers, and other connected devices. 5G is “wireless,” meaning there’s no physical connection required between the user’s device and the network. Keep in mind, however, that some setups may still require a 5G router or home modem.
Though it’s typically faster than some old-school internet technologies like DSL, 5G generally offers speeds between less than 100 Mbs and around 300 Mbs (with some carriers claiming maximum download speeds of 1 Gbps). However, in most cases, 5G is not nearly as fast as fiber’s remarkable download speeds. And 5G’s upload speeds are a mere fraction of fiber’s excellent and truly symmetrical internet capabilities.
Even more annoying to customers, 5G’s speed can vary depending on network congestion from too many users at one time, distance from the tower, and environmental interference (like trees, walls, or buildings). That leaves many 5G wireless internet users subject to the whims of the weather, overuse by other customers, or the construction of a new building they cannot even see.
And 5G’s latency is far higher than fiber’s (approximately 20-30 milliseconds). Such high latency will make more intense online applications like gaming and video editing an aggravating chore for many users. Thus, for most customers, 5G just can’t match fiber’s stellar experience.
Starlink Satellite Internet
The last commonly considered internet option is Starlink, the brand name of a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX. It uses a group of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to “beam” internet signals back down to Earth. To capture and connect to the satellite’s internet, users need a satellite dish (called a Starlink terminal) installed at their location.
Though its technology sounds impressive, even futuristic, its performance pales in comparison to fiber. Starlink generally only provides download speeds ranging from around 50 to 300 Mbps. And though Starlink promises to expand its satellites and improve its speeds and overall service in the future, Starlink’s satellite technology offers just a sliver of what fiber provides today.
And Starlink’s mediocre-at-best speeds occur only under ideal conditions! With weather issues (even rain or snow) and other atmospheric disturbances, Starlink’s internet speeds can drop considerably—or even leave frustrated customers without any internet connection at all. Upload speeds are even slower for Starlink users, and its bandwidth can’t touch fiber’s unlimited bandwidth capacity.
Starlink’s latency is higher than fiber’s, too (around 20-40 milliseconds), hindering performance for many users. The main advantage Starlink offers is that it can reach most rural areas, even those many miles away from any town or city. But as fiber keeps expanding into more and more rural areas, more customers can take advantage of fiber’s superior service without depending on satellite internet’s uneven reliability and slower speeds.
Why Fiber Internet Beats the Rest
Let’s briefly review and summarize why fiber internet is far and away your best choice for high-speed internet:
High Speeds: Fiber internet provides the fastest and most consistent speeds available, especially for upload-heavy activities like video conferencing, online gaming, or content creation.
Reliability: Fiber’s underground cables are durable, flexible, and not subject to interference from buildings, trees, and other obstacles. And fiber’s cutting-edge materials are unaffected by weather conditions like rain, snow, or heat, which can impact both 5G and Starlink.
Unlimited Bandwidth: Fiber can handle more devices from more users and heavier internet traffic simultaneously for streaming TV and movies, video calling, gaming, and other common online activities than 5G or Starlink. For households or offices with many users, fiber will handle the load without slowing down or stifling quality.
Low Latency: Fiber offers the lowest latency, which is crucial for real-time applications like gaming, video conferencing, and voice-over-internet calls. Neither 5G nor Starlink can match the ultra-low latency of fiber.
In short, fiber is the gold standard of reliable, high-speed internet. Should you have any questions or would like to learn more about how fiber can make you more productive and just make life online more pleasant for your family or business, feel free to reach out to the friendly, knowledgeable customer support and technical specialists at BeresfordTel.
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