5 Myths About Fiber Optics That Are Incorrect

When it comes to network software and hardware, GPON and other fiber optic-based network setups blow out the competition in terms of performance. Because of their sheer network speed efficiency, businesses of all sizes have adopted fiber optic in recent years.

However, despite being such a reliable method of transmitting information over a network, there is still a great deal of misinformation about fiber optic cables and the hardware they use. It is the hope that we at House of I.T can help to provide some insight and dispel a small handful of these rumors.

“Since they are made of glass, fiber optic cables are not durable.”

While it’s true that fiber optic cables do contain glass, this does not mean that they are fragile. In fact, fiber cables are not just durable, but they last longer than any other type of cable.

Fiber optic cables have a thin strand of glass at the very core of the cable used to transmit information. However, since it has multiple layers of materials coating it, fiber optic cables are more durable than traditional copper wire ethernet cables.

Just like any other type of cable, you should not purposely overly stretch or bend the cabling. Despite this, fiber optic cables can be moved and bent to reasonable amounts without experiencing any immediate wear and tear.

“Managing a GPON network is harder than other types of networks.”

This is also not correct. GPON networks are not only no more difficult to maintain and manage than other networks but are generally easier. This is due to a variety of reasons.

For instance, fiber cabling is smaller and takes up less room than traditional cabling, meaning that physical maintenance will be easier to navigate and make changes to.

Also, due to the increased bandwidth that GPON provides, making changes to your network will be quicker to perform than traditional copper wired networks.

“Fiber networks aren’t that much faster than copper networks.”

While copper wire networks can go up to a few hundred megabits per second (Mbps) when maxed out, the average fiber-based internet plan will start at 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).

Put simply, this means that even the most basic fiber plan will still allow for over three times the amount of bandwidth.

“GPON networks take up a lot of energy to run.”

Ironically, GPON networks are more environmentally friendly to run and operate than other networking equipment.

This is largely due to not needing to operate at as high a temperature, as well as having fewer components across the whole system. The efficiency and high-level technology needed to set up the cabling system make it one of the best innovations of recent times.

“Fiber-optic networks are expensive.”

This is probably the most misunderstood aspect of fiber optics. Fortunately, this point is also incorrect.

Fiber internet plans through an internet service provider will usually be near the same price as a traditional internet plan.

ISPs have adapted to changing times, and payments for fiber networks have drastically decreased in recent years. If a high price was the biggest barrier keeping you away from investing in a network, you may want to re-evaluate your current network situation.

Implementing Fiber Optic Cables for GPON in Your Business

Installing a GPON network may be an affordable, energy-efficient way to optimize both the speed and efficiency of your network, but it is not something the average person should attempt. Understanding fiber optic cabling and its installation into a network require a great degree of technical understanding, preparation, and time.

The experts at House of I.T are an IT consulting firm specializing in GPON architecture, GPON design, and installation of GPON. They have countless years of combined experience working with fiber optic cabling, as they frequently install them for businesses like yours.

If you are interested in implementing or switching to GPON or would like more information about fiber optic cables, we would encourage you to contact us. We hope to hear from you in the future!