How fast is fiber-optic internet?
Theoretically, a single fiber-optic cable is thought to be capable of carrying up to 44 terabits per second.
That’s about 1 million times faster than the current average internet speed in the U.S. But further development of fiber-optic technologies is still needed to make this possible. In reality, most internet service providers offer maximum fiber speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second (equal to 1 gigabit per second).
Just what do all those numbers mean? In general, a higher bitrate means higher-speed internet. But it’s not just bitrate that matters. Internet speeds and reliability are also impacted by download and upload speeds. Upload speed describes how fast your device sends data to a server, while download speed describes how fast your device pulls data from a server.
With fiber-optic internet, download and upload speeds are identical, which is referred to as symmetrical bandwidth. This ensures that whether you’re uploading or downloading data, you’ll enjoy the same fast internet speed you’ve been promised with your internet plan. With other options like cable internet, upload speeds tend to be slower than download speeds, decreasing overall internet efficiency.
Symmetrical bandwidth generally means decreased latency, or the delay in data transfer between your device and a server. Higher latency can cause lag times, which can be especially annoying for gamers or anyone streaming high-resolution video. With decreased latency, you get a more seamless, frustration-free internet experience.
Frontier offers Fiber internet plans to suit different customer needs:
- Speeds up to 500 Mbps provide enough bandwidth for high-resolution video streaming, even with multiple internet users using multiple devices simultaneously.
- Speeds up to 940 Mbps provide enough bandwidth to further allow for stress-free video conferencing and online gaming, even in multi-person households with multiple people active online at once.
Enter your address in the availability checker to see if Frontier® Fiber Internet is available in your area.
Is fiber-optic internet faster than DSL?
The short answer is yes. Fiber-optic internet speeds are significantly faster than other options, including digital subscriber line internet. The average download speed for a DSL connection ranges from 1 to 10 Mbps, while the average upload speed is up to 20 Mbps. But DSL remains a popular and reliable internet option.
DSL internet is transmitted via the same cables used for landline telephones. Because those lines have been in use across the U.S. for over a century, there’s a widespread, high-quality network of cables available, ensuring broad internet accessibility. DSL is also generally more affordable than fiber, and Frontier® offers reasonably priced DSL internet plans.
Is fiber-optic internet faster than cable?
Yes, fiber-optic internet speeds are also faster than average cable internet speeds. The maximum download speed for cable is about 940 Mbps, but the maximum upload speed is about 50 Mbps. Because cable internet uses the same coaxial cables that transmit cable television signals, there’s a broad existing network in the U.S., which means it’s usually more accessible and affordable than fiber-optic internet in many areas.