What Is Fiber Internet? A Plain-English Explainer
If you have been shopping for internet service, you have probably seen "fiber" marketed as the fastest, most reliable option. But what does that actually mean? How is it different from the cable or DSL connection you might already have? This guide breaks it down without the jargon.
The Basics: Light vs. Electricity
Traditional internet connections, both cable and DSL, transmit data as electrical signals through copper wires. Cable uses the same coaxial lines that deliver cable TV. DSL runs over telephone lines. Both have been around for decades and both share a fundamental limitation: copper degrades signals over distance and is susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
Fiber optic internet replaces copper with hair-thin strands of glass or plastic. Instead of electrical pulses, data travels as pulses of light. Light moves faster, carries more data, and does not degrade over the distances typical in residential networks. That is why fiber delivers dramatically faster speeds with lower latency.
Why Fiber Is Faster
Three technical advantages give fiber its speed edge:
- Higher bandwidth capacity. A single fiber strand can carry terabits of data per second. Copper maxes out at a fraction of that.
- Symmetrical speeds. Most fiber plans offer the same upload and download speed. Cable connections typically offer upload speeds that are 10-20x slower than their download speeds.
- No shared bandwidth. Cable networks split a single line among dozens of homes in a neighborhood. During peak hours (7-10 PM), speeds drop noticeably. Fiber runs a dedicated line to each home.
What Equipment Do You Need?
Fiber requires a small device called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) that converts light signals into the electrical signals your router can use. Your provider installs this during setup, typically on an interior wall near where the fiber enters your home. From there, a standard Ethernet cable connects the ONT to your WiFi router.
Most providers, Frontier included, supply both the ONT and a WiFi router at no additional charge. You can also use your own router if you prefer.
Fiber vs. Cable vs. DSL: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Fiber | Cable | DSL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Download | 5,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 5,000 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| Latency | 10-15 ms | 25-75 ms | 50-100 ms |
| Shared Line? | No (dedicated) | Yes (neighborhood node) | No (dedicated phone line) |
Is Fiber Available at My Address?
Fiber availability depends on whether your provider has run fiber-optic cables to your neighborhood. This infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Frontier alone has added fiber to millions of new homes since 2021, with expansion ongoing across the country.
The fastest way to check is to enter your address on your provider's website or call their local team. Frontier customers can check availability at frontier-deals.com/order or by calling (800) 921-8101.
Bottom Line
Fiber internet uses light instead of electricity, delivers symmetrical speeds, and gives you a dedicated line instead of a shared one. For households with multiple people streaming, gaming, and working from home, it is the most reliable option available today. If fiber is available at your address, it is worth the switch.