Do you ever think about time travel? What year would you visit? It’s not just an age-old family game night question. It’s a question that’s captivated humankind for centuries.
Unfortunately, time travel isn’t a technology that’s available to us yet, but we aren’t entirely stuck in the present. Besides, who needs time travel when we can “future-proof” our internet services? Thanks to fiber-optic cables, we have the technological capabilities to future-proof our internet services today.
In fact, without stepping foot into a time machine, we can see fiber internet’s positive societal impact. After all, fiber drove innovation and economic development in its past, present, and future — so let’s explore.
Fiber’s Past
Fiber-optic technology was here before the beginning of the web. According to Wraltechwire, fiber lines were the “backbone of global communication.” They still hold that status today. Though each fiber line is as thin as a single hair on your head, its strength and capability remain unmatched. Wraltechwire adds that fiber infrastructure handled the “ocean floor’s harshness, so it’ll easily hold up during inclement weather in your neighborhood.”
How were fiber lines made so strong? Credit is due to a material production process called chemical vapor deposition, which created a “perfect glass tube,” known as “preform.” The preform was consolidated under intense heat and drawn into hair-thin optical fibers. Those fibers are still vital in today’s hefty fiber infrastructure installations.
Fiber’s Present
2020 showed us that convenient high-speed internet access is no longer a luxury — in today’s workforce, it’s a necessity. With more than 70 percent of white-collar workers still working remotely, it’s no surprise that Cnet describes fiber-optic internet as:
One of the most sought-after home internet connection types — and for good reason. Compared with DSL, cable, and other kinds of internet connections, fiber internet typically offers a faster download speed, significantly faster upload speed, and superior reliability. And, with many people now working at home for good, fast and reliable internet is important.
Fiber-internet is also safer than traditional internet service connections. “Thieves” struggle to tamper with fiber lines and must go through a great deal of trouble to even try. Conversely, copper cable, DSL, and other network lines often have their data intercepted with relative ease.
Fiber remains the safest way to transmit data across the web today.
Fiber’s Future
Fiber’s robust infrastructure is built to thrive in tomorrow’s world.
Many experts agree that traditional internet network services are unprepared for the growing demand for top-speed, symmetrical internet services. According to Wraltechwire, some of the most commonly used internet service providers are already quickly approaching their maximum network speeds today. Conversely, Wraltech continues, fiber-optic lines have yet to be overloaded with data and should easily handle terabit speeds. Eff.org writes:
The debate over the best infrastructure to deliver fixed last-mile broadband service in the 21st century is settled, and fiber is the undisputed winner. Fiber-to-the-home deployments are a better option for consumers today, and they are the only option that will allow expansive, efficient upgrades to America’s networks for a generation.
It’s as clear as preform that fiber is the way of the future.
At ACE Fiber, our mission is to improve the quality of life for our friends and family in Alcorn County, even though we’re not capable of time travel just yet. So while there isn’t much we can do to change the past — we believe building fiber infrastructure will give us a promising look into our present and future. We hope you are as excited as we are.
