Not All Fiber Internet is Equal: 100% Fiber vs. Fiber-Powered

Choosing an internet service provider isn't as simple as it used to be. In the past, homeowners and business owners only had one or two options, which were typically traditional cable providers. Now, many communities not only have multiple providers to consider, but some are fortunate enough to have access to fiber internet. While internet choice is a privilege, many customers end up experiencing decision paralysis or hesitancy to switch to new technology. And that’s just the first hurdle.

Once you understand what sets fiber internet apart, there's another hurdle: misleading marketing. If you’ve seen internet advertised as “fiber-powered,” beware. It’s not what it seems. But don't worry. We’ll help you make an informed decision, so you don’t unknowingly sign up for fiber... that’s not true fiber.

What is a 100% fiber network?

Let’s start with the best of the best: a 100% fiber optic network. Also referred to as all-fiber or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), this type of network is built with fiber optic cables running from the provider’s central hub all the way to your property. Inside these cables, glass strands transmit data as pulses of light, allowing information to travel quickly and efficiently over long distances. To learn more about the thoughtful, complex design of a 100% fiber network, check out our infographic on how fiber gets to the home.

What is a fiber-powered network?

When a provider promotes a network as fiber-powered, it typically means that fiber is used somewhere within their network, but the final stretch (“last mile”) to your home still relies on coaxial or copper cables. You may see these referred to as hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks. Since fiber is the superior choice in internet connectivity today, it’s clear why some cable providers incorporate fiber into their existing build. However, if a network is a mix of cable and fiber, customers won’t experience all the performance and reliability benefits of true fiber internet.

Key benefits of 100% fiber

• Symmetrical Upload/Download Speeds: Unlike fiber-powered internet, which has much slower uploads, fiber delivers equally fast speeds both ways, ensuring smoother communication, faster file sharing, and enhanced overall performance.
• Reliability and Stability: Fiber lines are more durable and less susceptible to weather, interference, and physical wear. This delivers a more stable and dependable connection than fiber-powered networks.
• Lower Latency and Faster Ping Times: Compared to fiber-powered internet, 100% fiber provides quicker response times and fewer delays. This is ideal for households that use the internet for gaming, video calls, live streaming, and other real-time activities.
• Enhanced Security and Privacy: Because data is transmitted via light rather than electrical signals, fiber connections are harder to intercept than fiber-powered internet, offering greater protection for sensitive data.
• Scalability: With significantly greater bandwidth capacity than fiber-powered networks, all-fiber can scale to meet growing data demands, making it a smart long-term investment, as you’ll experience with Ripple Fiber’s 10-gig network.

Do your homework

Now you know – not all “fiber” is the same. To ensure your current provider is delivering true, all-fiber internet, take the time to ask them intentional questions that will give you the clarity you need.

1. Do you provide fiber-to-the-home, or do the fiber lines switch to coax or copper for the last mile?
2. Are upload and download speeds symmetrical, or is one typically faster than the other?
3. When you say it’s “fiber,” do you mean 100% fiber or partially fiber?

Fast, reliable internet is essential for today’s homes and businesses. Make sure you truly understand what you’re signing up for before choosing a provider. Visit Ripple Fiber’s Check Availability page to find out if our 100% fiber network is available in your area.