How Fiber Internet is Installed at Home: 5 Things You Need to Know
Internet fiber is the technology of the future. Unlike cable internet connection, fiber uses light to transfer data. Light has a substantially higher speed than electrical impulses, which results in much higher speed and reliability of connection, as well as a lower energy loss.
Long story short, fiber internet is superior in every aspect. Although slightly more expensive, the gain of value for your money is disproportionately in your favor.
The biggest problem with fiber internet is that the technology is still relatively new and, as such, not available everywhere. Still, for those who do have access to this connection, here’s how you can have it installed in your home.
1. Can You Get Fiber Internet?
Like always, the question of an internet connection is the question of logistics. You first need to establish whether this option is available in the area. So, how to know if you can get fiber internet? The simplest way is to look up locally available providers and inquire about their offers. You see, while 9 out of 10 times it will be listed on the site, you might want to do a bit more research or even contact them directly to ask about this.
Just like cable, it all comes down to whether or not there’s fiber internet in your area. The problem is that since telephones are as widespread as they are, cable internet is universally available. Then again, if you’re living in rural areas where even the cable is a problem, you can always go for satellite internet or look for various signal amplifiers for wireless.
All in all, the first question that you should ask is whether or not you can get fiber internet in the first place. If you can, then this should be your first option.
2. How to Choose a Plan?
The next thing you need to do is find the plan and the provider you want. First of all, you need to look into the speed. Now, keep in mind that even the lowest internet speeds available via fiber are quite fast. So, you’ll need to go with a more expensive plan only if your work/hobbies dictate so. If you’re doing regular stuff like downloading small files, watching videos, surfing the web, and using social media, literally any plan would do.
Second, you need to look at the price. Now, the cost of an internet package is usually not that high. However, it’s a monthly expense that can pile up. So, there are two approaches to this. First, you can observe the total cost. Alternatively, you can compare the cost-to-value ratio.
Most importantly, you need to take a step-by-step approach. First, you pick a couple of providers and then check what plans they have to offer. It’s that simple.
3. What Is the Installation Process Like?
The installation process is fairly simple. You need to start by signing the contract so that your installation is scheduled. Then, a team will come to visit your home and proceed with the installation. In the majority of cases, you don’t pay for the installation or the equipment, only your monthly fee (keep in mind that, while a common practice, this is not a rule).
The technicians install a small utility box ONT (optical network terminal). This can be inside or outside of your home. Then, they run a cable from the ONT to the network. Then, with the use of an ethernet connection, this is connected to the devices that you own.
It probably won’t take more than a couple of days for all of this to take place. However, this depends on the schedule of the provider. If fiber internet is new in your area, chances are that the provider will be overworked, seeing as how everyone will be rushing to get their fiber connection. The sooner you contact them, the sooner they’ll be over.
4. Keeping It Safe
When it comes to security, the important thing to keep in mind is that this is not a wireless connection. Therefore, the network itself is safe from outside influences. Keep in mind, nonetheless, that it’s your online behavior that affects the integrity of the network. Succumbing to phishing, having a weak password, and allowing your antivirus/antimalware to expire are universal problems, regardless of the connection.
What you do need to keep in mind, on the other hand, is the safety of the equipment. Allowing the dust to land on caps before you decide to connect, allowing cables to get wet before connecting them, or allowing them to get tangled are recipes for a disaster. Still, this usually falls under the jurisdiction of the provider and technicians performing the installation.
It’s your job to ensure that your online behavior is as safe as possible. The matter of cybersecurity needs to be addressed independently.
5. Prepare for the Value Increase
One interesting thing your might not have known is the fact that the value of your home might increase by 3.1% just by installing fiber internet. Sure, homes in areas covered by fiber networks are already better priced but those that already have it installed are at the very peak.
Second, fiber wires are incredibly small. Some of the smallest are as thin as 0.0005 inches in diameter. With the ONT placed outside of your home, as it is, you won’t have much trouble arranging it.
Lastly, fiber internet is energy-efficient technology. Now, on the scale of one household or your monthly bill, this really won’t make that much of a difference. However, it’s an ethical thing to do and a transition that all eco-minded homeowners should make.
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, it’s important that you get familiar with fiber internet, even if you currently don’t have the option of getting a connection. The reason behind this is quite simple – this type of connection is on the rise and the infrastructure is bound to grow. This means that even if you don’t have the option at the moment, the opportunity will soon present itself. When that moment comes, it’s better for you to know what you’re dealing with, as well as why this is such a good idea.