You must have faced several issues in your traditional Ethernet cable connection. Sometimes the internet gets slower or the connection gets issues.
It is common to face speed problems as copper wires inside an Ethernet cable are unprotected against electromagnetic interferences and speed limitations.
So, to fight the disadvantages, we need better technology. And the technology is fiber-optic. You’ll see only benefits once you’ve installed a fiber-optic connection in your home.
The process of how to install fiber optic cable for internet is really simple and you can do it by yourself if you have the expertise. We’re going to describe the steps briefly but take expert help if you don’t do it for a living.
How To Install Fiber Optic Cable For Internet
The steps we’re going to describe are installing fiber optic cable in a home. There are many videos on YouTube to assist you if you can’t grab the whole picture just by reading.
Otherwise, we recommend you to take expert help. Before we begin the steps, let’s see what we’ll need to install fiber optic cable.
- The required length of fiber optic cable
- The required length of Ethernet cable
- An optical network terminal
- RJ-45 wall jack
- Power adapter
- A Ladder
Now, let’s talk about the steps of getting a fiber optic cable internet connection in your home.
At first, you need to contact your provider if they have fiber optic lines in your area. Then, you should tell them to send a technician who will make a fiber-optic connection from the closest pole to your home.
Secondly, set a place in your home to place the optical network terminal and measure the distance from the pole to it. Now, buy a fiber-optic cable of that required length.
Thirdly, check the compatibility of the devices in your home with fiber-optic technology. If any device has a compatibility issue, replace it with a newer version. With the assistance of Google and many blog sites, you’ll find your desired device in no time.
Fourthly, make the optical network terminal (ONT) alive with power and connection. Then, install the RJ-45 wall jack and connect to the ONT. After that, make sure that both devices have battery backup so that you can get an uninterrupted internet connection in your home.
Finally, connect your computer or a wireless router to the RJ-45 wall jack with an Ethernet cable. Google about how to make an Ethernet cable and you’ll find many videos.
The setup is done. So, check the connections, set up the router, and you’re ready to use the fastest internet connection with the latest technology.
That’s it. Now you can enjoy fiber optic cable internet connection even if the power goes out.
Tips
- Get a wireless router and connect all your devices at your home without running wires through here and there. The only problem you might think of is desktop computers. But you can solve it by plugging a Wi-Fi adapter in its USB port.
- Always buy cables with extra length so that you never face any shortage. You can’t simply add some extra length to fiber-optic or Ethernet cable. So, be on the safe side.
- Check the safety regulations and laws regarding the connection in your area. It sounds silly but you may get in trouble if you overlook any small details. It’d be great to take the advice of your local connection expert.
- Do not bend the cable exceeding its bend radius. Bending too tightly will make the fiber break easily. You can pull it to a limit but bending is prohibited.
- Handle it carefully so that the fiber doesn’t get twisted. It harms the data transferring capability.
- Be careful about the length as it is expensive to add extra length after its being cut. Also, see the way of running the cable doesn’t have any sharp object.
- Use proper tools and guidance to do the work. Also, proper pulling tools and lubricants so that no damage is done while installing.
- It’s important to consider the change in temperature of your area. Know how hot or how cold the environment can become. And take precautions accordingly.
- Install the optical network terminal in such a place that it is not exposed to water or moisture.
Fiber optic or Ethernet cable: which one is better?
The direct and undeniable answer to that question is that a fiber-optic is far better than an Ethernet cable. For those, who are new in this debate, let’s read some points based on which we’re saying fiber-optic is better in every aspect.
1. Data transfer method
An Ethernet cable uses electric signals to transfer data. We’re using it since the beginning of the internet era. But the speed of this method is limited and the providers have crossed the limit.
Now, they can provide a fast connection but if we don’t upgrade the end-user infrastructure, it’ll create a bottleneck. So, we’ll get a slower connection.
But a fiber-optic cable uses light for data transfer. In the end, the light signals are ultimately converted into electrical signals.
The light signals are highly reliable as nothing can interrupt these signals and can travel a long way without needing a repeater. Also, it’s way faster than the Ethernet connection. So, you’ll never face a bottleneck.
2. Material
The Ethernet cables have copper wires inside them. As a result, the signal gets interrupted by electromagnetic pulses or we say noises along its way. It also needs repeaters after a certain distance as the signal gets weak.
On the other hand, the fiber-optic uses glass fiber which is flexible and free from any noise. It also requires a repeater but for very long distances.
3. Reliability
The fiber optic cable needs little to no maintenance which is also true for the Ethernet cable. But the difference lies in the data transfer method and material.
From the arguments above, we can say that fiber-optic is far more reliable than Ethernet. Also, fiber optic cables are non-conductive. So, it doesn’t have the risk of high voltage electric lines.
4. Speed
In an Ethernet connection, you’ll get a maximum of 500 Mbps to download speed and 50 Mbps upload speed.
But with fiber-optic in the play, you can get a maximum of 1000 Mbps for both download and upload speed. There are some areas in the states that have Gigabit speed internet.
So, what you’ll do with Ethernet cables in those areas? The scenario of such is expanding its area every day. Soon you’ll see that Ethernet connection making bottle-neck on the user-end.
5. Cost
When fiber-optic technology hit the market, it was true that the cost was higher than the Ethernet cable. But over the years, the fiber-optic cable manufacturing cost got decreased.
Now, the price difference is not significant for both connections. If you think about reliability and durability, fiber-optic can be cheaper in the long run.
Finally, we can say that fiber optic cable internet connection is better. But you can argue with the availability of the fiber-optic connection.
It’s true that it’s not as available as an Ethernet or DSL connection. But it’s also true that fiber-optic lines are increasing rapidly. So, you’ll see no other connection than fiber-optic within a decade.
Final Verdict
If you want a reliable internet connection with light speed (literally), you must get your home connection converted to fiber-optic. We had an Ethernet connection when there was no other technology.
So, we accepted it with its many flaws. Finally, the days of suffering are over with the latest technologies. We hope that you are getting technology’s advantages of reading and implementing our guide on how to install fiber optic cable for internet.
