Fiber-Optic Internet vs. Cable Internet: Which Is Better

Cable Internet and fiber-optic Internet are two of the most common ways the Internet is delivered to customers. When considering which method is best for your business or home, there are a lot of differences to be aware of. To put it simply, fiber-optic Internet is the clear winner because of its speedy delivery with little to no lagging, a reliable connection for all your devices, and high bandwidth.

What is cable Internet?

Cable Internet uses coaxial cables — the same cables used for cable TV — to deliver Internet services to end users. The coaxial cable uses radiofrequency (RF) signals to transmit analog data. At the destination, the modem converts the data from analog to a digital form that your devices can use. Sometimes, the modem also functions as a Wi-Fi router to distribute Internet service throughout the building.

What is fiber-optic Internet?

Fiber Internet uses fiber-optic cables to provide an Internet connection. These cables deliver signals in the form of light to your home's or business's optical network terminal, where the signal is converted into a data form your devices can use.

Is fiber-optic Internet faster than cable Internet?

When comparing fiber-optic versus cable Internet speed, fiber-optic is significantly faster. In fact, fiber-optic Internet is the fastest type of Internet available — our fiber-optic cables transmit data at the speed of light! The fiber-optic cables deliver data over long distances without degrading quality, allowing information to quickly get from one place to another.

Benefits of fiber-optic Internet over cable Internet

Fiber Internet offers several advantages, including:

  • Fast speeds with low latency: Fiber is the fastest type of Internet available, typically with speeds up to and sometimes exceeding 1000 Mbps. You can expect quick responsiveness with low latency when browsing the web, streaming movies, and more. Cable Internet has a higher latency with speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 500 Mbps.

  • Symmetrical upload and download speeds: Cable Internet offers fast download speeds but limits upload speeds. Our fiber network supports symmetrical upload and download speeds instead of capping your upload speed. The higher bandwidth available makes it possible for you to have the best speeds for both.

  • Reliability: When comparing coaxial cable versus fiber-optic Internet, fiber is more stable. Your Internet connection will be unaffected by factors like the weather, electromagnetism, corrosion, and power outages, so you can have fast Internet anytime.

  • High bandwidth: Fiber-optic cables use light-speed photons to deliver data rapidly, so you can use as much bandwidth as you need. This high bandwidth capacity is unique to fiber Internet — cable Internet can't offer broad bandwidths.

Check the availability of fiber-optic Internet from Planet Networks in your area

Since fiber Internet is the newest development in Internet technology, these networks aren't accessible everywhere yet. Check our availability to see if we provide fiber-optic Internet in your area. We are currently available in locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New York and want to expand our fiber network. If we haven't reached your area yet, complete our survey, and we'll notify you when Planet Networks fiber Internet is available for your home or business.