Business owners are often confused regarding which internet connection is right for their business? Among all other connections available in the market, there is a constant debate between ADSL and Fiber-optic to see which one is better than the other. Both fiber-optic and ADSL are very different in terms of connectivity features and build up.
ADSL is an acronym for Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line that use pre-existing copper phone lined to transmit data that is faster than the typical voiceband modem. ADSL is different from conventional SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line) because it offers more download speed than upload speed. Fiber-optic, on the other hand, uses light beams to transmit data through a fiber-optic glass cable.
ADSL Vs. Fiber-Optic – Right Choice for Your Business
Now you know what these connections are. Let’s make a quick comparison to see which one is the winner! We will test these connections based on availability, speed, reliability, and cost.
Availability
The first factor is the availability of both ADSL and Fiber-optic. ADSL connections are readily available in both urban and rural areas. If you have access to a phone line, you can also get ASDL. However, its signal strength depends upon your location from the local phone company’s central office. For example, you need to be within 22,000 feet, or else the internet speed slows down significantly.
Fiber-optic, on the other hand, is not easily accessible in urban areas, but it is quickly expanding due to an increase in its demand. You can easily find it in metropolitan areas. The reason behind its low accessibility is that fiber-optic requires a different cable structure as compared to ADSL and phone lines.
Therefore, it takes time for new structuring and cabling. However, with fiber-optic, you don’t need to worry about the distance from your IPS because it doesn’t affect internet speed in fiber-optics.
Speed
ADSL is an asymmetrical internet connection with different upload and download speeds. Its downloading speed is around 5 Mbps – 50 Mbps, while the upload speed is approximately 1.0 Mbps. There is also an issue of latency with ADSL. In ADSL, latency ranges from 70-500 ms, depending upon your location and distance from the central office.
Fiber-optic connections is one of the fastest internet connection available in the market offering speed of around 5 Mbps to 100 Gbps! That is fast! Another great feature of fiber-optic is that it provides a symmetrical connection, offering the same upload and download speed. There are no latency issues with the fiber-optic.
So, if your company deals with IT or digital platforms, then ADSL is not a good option for you as you will experience low productivity due to latency issues. There are a lot of fiber-optic solutions provided by Fiber-optic UAE based experts, so get a plan that works well with your business.
Reliability
As ADSL uses phone lines, so you will have an internet connection as long as you are connected to the phone line cable, and there are no external damages. But, in case of an accident or a natural disaster, if your phone line gets cut or damaged, you will face connectivity issues and will not have internet. The repairs may take 24 hours – days, depending upon your location and the damage.
Fiber-optic, on the other hand, is one of the most reliable internet connections of all the available options in the market. In the case of a power outage, fiber-optic will not get affected. As it is made of fiber-optic strands and uses glass as a conductor, therefore, it cannot be damaged via electromagnetic interference and nearby power lines. It also takes less time to repair (2-12 hours) as compared to ADSL.
Cost
The cost for ADSL can range from $20 – $100 depending upon the speed you require. It is quite cheap, but it comes at other costs of latency, slow-asymmetrical speed, and maintenance time. It may not be the best choice for your business, but if you live in a faraway or rural area, then you can opt for ADSL.
Now, fiber-optic, on the other hand, is a bit expensive than ADSL connection, ranging from $100 to $5,000 per month. However, the prices may vary depending upon your location, desired speed, and quality of the fiber. For high-quality, fiber-optic cabling, consider consulting professional fiber-optic UAE based providers to make sure your investment is fruitful.
Get Fiber-Optic Connection Today!
From the above comparison, you can see how both fiber-optic and ADSL have their own pros and cons. ADSL is not only cheaper but also readily available. Fiber-optic, on the other hand, is more reliable and has a high-speed internet connection. According to industry experts, if you can easily gain access to fiber-optic, then get your connection today to benefit from a high-speed internet connection that is symmetrical, and there are no latency issues.
The upfront cost of ADSL may seem small, but its maintenance and connectivity issues are a complete headache. So, make your choice wisely!