Do you live in Austin Texas? Current and upcoming technologies frequently rely on fast and stable broadband internet connections to help users run programs, applications, and VoIP. These types of applications cannot run correctly without a fast internet connection. Two technologies have developed to meet the demand for high-speed connections. Consumers have the option to choose fiber optic or cable internet access.

Cable Internet

In Austin, Texas Spectrum internet provides a high-speed connection but is slower than fiber optic. Cable internet does not use pulses of light but instead establishes a connection through a coaxial cable, which is something many people already have in their homes for their TV reception.

Cable internet speeds vary depending on how many people are connected and using the same bandwidth and the time of day that you use it. Cable internet speeds range from 5 Mbps to 25 Mbps, which is much slower than fiber optic. However, despite the slower speeds, you can still receive fast internet that allows you to game, stream and surf the internet.

Cable availability changes depending on where you live, though cable is already available in most places. If you live in a rural area where you cannot receive cable TV, you likely won’t get cable internet either. If you do have the option of purchasing cable internet, do your due diligence and shop around so you get the best package available. You can self-install Spectrum Internet the Covid-19 Pandemic and protect your family’s health and save money by not having a technician do it.

Fiber Optic Internet

Fiber optic is one of the newest ways consumers receive their internet. The access is run through a cable that consists of fiber optic glass on the inside that disperses pulses of light through the cable to carry the internet connection.

The speed of the connection depends largely on the type of glass inside the cable, meaning that the internet speed can fluctuate. Speeds typically range between 150Mbps and 500 Mbps. This is remarkable as standard cable internet runs at speeds between 5 Mbps and 25 Mbps.

While fiber optic is typically the preferred method of internet connectivity, it is not widely available and is limited geographically. The availability of fiber optic internet and the cost pf the service varies depending on where you reside. While searching for a service provider, remember that providers advertise the highest speed you can get, but your actual speed will vary and might be lower. Speed is determined by your distance from the central transfer station, the number of users connected, and what time of day you log on.

Fiber optic cables are smaller and more lightweight, giving them an advantage over the larger and heavier wires from typical internet sources. Fiber optic is also capable of delivering high-speed internet and allowing faster data transfers over long distances. Both are significant advantages over cable internet. Fiber optic cables are also incapable of conducting electricity, which eliminates any interference from other cables nearby, power lines and lightning strikes.

The current providers of fiber optic internet include Verizon, AT&T, Comcast and Google. Before you choose a provider, do your research on the quality of their services and shop for the best deal based on what you get and the speeds provided.

Comparisons

The installation of fiber optic internet is complex and more challenging than cable connections. Fiber optic requires a special cable where cable internet uses a standard coaxial cable. The fiber optic cable must be installed by professionals. Cable internet is usually available from your cable TV providers and is often offered in a bundle. You need a modem and coaxial cable for connection.

Fiber optic internet is not currently available everywhere, but providers are slowly adding lines throughout the country. The number of fiber optic-ready homes is steadily increasing thanks to their efforts. Cable internet is already widely used and available, and because of that, it is the most popular internet connection.

Fiber optic is as reliable as cable but has the added benefit of not conducting electricity, meaning that there is no risk of interference. Cable internet is a safe option but can be affected by outages or disruptions. You may need an alternative backup if you rely on the internet for work.

You can expect speeds between 150 Mbps and 500 Mbps for fiber optic internet and speeds closer to 5 Mbps and 25 Mbps for cable internet. There is such a remarkable difference between the two speeds because of the differences in their cables and how they bring the internet to your home.

Similarities

Despite their somewhat drastic differences, there are similarities between the two. Both fiber optic and cable internet offer an “always-on” feature that does not require you to log on with a password every time you want to use the internet; you simply open your browser.

Both services are also usually offered as a flat monthly fee and have the option for VoIP as a cost-effective telephone option.

Cost

The price of using either fiber optic or cable connections varies and depends largely on where you live and what is available. Fiber optic internet usually starts at around $100 a month and goes up from there. Cable internet can start as low as $25 a month and go up to about $120 a month or more. You pay based on the speeds you receive and any additional installation and activation fees.

Conclusion

Everyone wants the fastest internet they can get, but not everyone lives in an area where they can get it. Fiber optic internet is much faster than cable, but if you don’t live in a town or neighborhood that offers that option, you could be stuck with cable connections that run at slower speeds. However, cable internet can still provide high-speed internet that meets your needs. Users can stream Netflix, or Hulu and surf the web and play their favorite games.

The speed you receive depends on where you live, how many people are connecting at the same time, and what time of day you log on. Regardless of which type of internet you go with, you can choose a high-speed package that delivers what you need when you need it at a price you can afford.