Fiber Optic Internet Vs Wireless Internet – Which Is Right For You?

Whether your focus is local or global, it’s hard to imagine doing business in today’s economy without having access to the internet. It has become a valuable resource. Video conferences, tracking data or reaching potential customers are a few ways your business might use the internet. Both, fiber optics and wireless, are fast, but which should you choose? Let’s take a look at your options.

Fiber optics came on the scene in the mid-80’s. Cables filled with strands made from silica glass or plastic convert data into a stream of light. The light transmits data from sender to receiver where it’s converted back to data. Though not at the actual speed of light, the process completes rapidly and the speed remains consistent throughout your company no matter how many employees are using the internet at the same time.

The idea of a wireless technology came into being in the mid 80’s, as well, but it wasn’t until the late 90’s that the technology was actually used. It started becoming popular with consumers in 2001. A wireless internet connection transmits data by converting it into electromagnetic waves for broadcasting through the air. The speed compares to that of fiber optics under optimum conditions, but with a wireless connection, everyone on the internet is using the same bandwidth. When there are many users, congestion occurs and the speed slows down considerably. Distance is, also, a factor. The signal is strongest at the base station and grows weaker the fher away you are. But technology is ever-changing. Wireless service has been through five generations of change (5G) in a relatively short period of time. It stands to reason that it will only become more efficient in the years to come.

Still not sure which to choose? An information technology (IT) company can help you decide which route your business should take to cruise the information highway with ease.