They Ask: “Is fiber really better than coax for my business—or is it just hype?”
You Answer:
Let’s break it down. Coax (short for coaxial cable) has been around for decades. It’s the same cable that you have purchased from your local provider, like Spectrum. You may internet, phone, and TV. Fiber, on the other hand, is newer, faster, and built for the future.
Why is fiber different? Fiber internet transmits data using ultra-thin strands of glass or plastic, known as optical fibers, which carry information as pulses of light. Unlike traditional internet technologies such as DSL or cable that rely on electrical signals over copper wires, fiber’s use of light enables it to deliver exceptional speed and reliability.
Speed & Symmetry:
What’s the difference? Fiber uses light instead of electricity! This means, it can:
- Transmit data at nearly the speed of light
- Maintain signal strength over long distances without degradation
Coax typically offers asymmetrical speeds—meaning your download might be fast, but your upload is crawling. That’s fine for watching Netflix, but not great for uploading large files or hosting Zoom calls. Fiber? It’s symmetrical. You get blazing fast speeds both ways—Metronet offers up to 10 Gbps symmetrical, while Spectrum goes up to 100 Gbps.
Reliability:
Fiber is less prone to interference. Coax can be affected by electromagnetic noise, especially in crowded urban areas. Fiber is built with fewer points of failure and is more resilient.
Scalability:
Need more bandwidth next month? Fiber scales easily. Coax? Not so much. You’re often stuck with what you’ve got.
Bottom Line:
Fiber is purpose-built for business. Coax is a legacy technology that’s still hanging on. If your business relies on cloud apps, video conferencing, or remote work, fiber is the clear winner.
Need pricing but don’t want to contact all of the providers? We can provide a price comparison for local providers. Due to our partnership, we have access to over 200 enterprise solution providers! Contact us today!
