The increasing use of Ethernet over Fiber (EoF) by large companies, as a cheaper option compared to SONET fiber optic services, has made many believe that fiber optic technology is only for big players. However, that notion is no longer true, as affordable fiber optic bandwidth is now accessible to all.
The surprising reason behind the unexpectedly low cost of Mbps or Gbps bandwidth, often half the anticipated price or even less, is Cable TV. While it primarily serves consumers, an underlying professional fiber optic core network rivals any major carrier in terms of capability and reach.
Cable TV is usually associated with coaxial cables connected to set-top boxes or cable modems. In the past, cable networks relied heavily on copper coax cables. However, this infrastructure has evolved into a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) system, combining fiber optic and copper cables to support modern digital services.
HFC utilizes fiber optics for long-distance connections, serving both businesses and residential areas. This technology is also used for intercity connections by major Cable MSOs like Comcast. Although television video dominates the traffic on these fiber optic cables, the abundant bandwidth readily accommodates data transmission speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps.
Recognizing the potential of its extensive network, Comcast extends its services to businesses as well as consumers. Many smaller businesses benefit from the cost-effective Cable broadband delivered through coaxial cables to cable modems. They can enjoy 50 Mbps or even 100 Mbps asymmetrical shared bandwidth at prices comparable to a T1 line.
Asymmetrical bandwidth implies a significantly higher download speed compared to upload speed, typically with a 10x difference. While common for internet access, it differs from business telecom services that usually offer symmetrical bandwidth, ensuring equal upload and download speeds.
Comcast’s Ethernet over Fiber bandwidth services provide symmetrical bandwidth, catering specifically to enterprise needs. Four services are particularly relevant: Ethernet Dedicated Internet (EDI), Ethernet Private Line (EPL), Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL), and Ethernet Data Network / Meshed Network (EDN). These services are offered in bandwidth options ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps.
Ethernet Dedicated Internet guarantees businesses the necessary bandwidth for large employee bases and global customer connectivity. Unlike shared bandwidth commonly found in consumer services and wireline cable modems, dedicated bandwidth ensures consistent availability.
Ethernet Private Line (EPL) serves as a point-to-point connection service, offering businesses a higher bandwidth alternative to T1 lines for linking two business locations. EPL over Fiber provides immediate high bandwidth capacity and substantial future growth potential.
Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) resembles EPL but allows multiple Ethernet services to share the same physical line and User Network Interface (UNI) through Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs). This virtualization enables businesses to establish Ethernet Private Lines to multiple locations without incurring the cost of separate fiber or wireline terminations at their main office.
Ethernet Data Network / Meshed Network (EDN) allows businesses to create extensive metropolitan or wide-area networks, interconnecting LANs across branch offices or multiple business locations. This meshed network configuration enables any-to-any connectivity, mirroring a Frame Relay or MPLS network setup.
If you’re seeking fiber optic bandwidth without the high cost, HFC-based Ethernet over Fiber bandwidth services could be the solution. It’s recommended to explore pricing and availability before committing to any other service.
