By: John Shepler

There are many more options for internet connectivity than there were just a few years ago. Don’t assume that T1 lines are the be-all and end-all without exploring your options. You might be surprised!

Increased Bandwidth is Necessary Fiber optic bandwidth has been discussed as a future necessity for years. When you examine the applications that are most used by consumers and businesses, it is obvious that only fiber can accommodate their bandwidth requirements.

The demand for bandwidth is clear: static web pages have transformed into websites filled with embedded video clips, SD video has been replaced by HD video, and now the desire is for 4K and, soon, 8K video streaming.

And what about software? Software used to be distributed via tape reels, floppy disks, and CD-ROMs. Today, software is downloaded and physical copies are becoming obsolete. These downloads require significantly more bandwidth than DSL or T1 lines can offer.

Even downloadable apps may be short-lived. There is a major push to move both applications and storage to the “cloud.” As on-site data centers are abandoned in favor of cloud storage, the need for extensive wide-area network bandwidth increases exponentially.

Fiber is the Only Option The demand for increased bandwidth has not gone unnoticed by service providers. In fact, any carrier that is still using circuit-switched architectures and copper connectivity is simply buying time until they are no longer relevant.

Ethernet over Copper has extended the life of the installed twisted pair copper plant by providing speeds of 10 Mbps to at least 50 Mbps. DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 are doing the same for coaxial cable. Premises connectivity is likely to be the last stand of copper. From the premises, it will need to connect to fiber.

While it may seem that wireless internet is the way of the future, capacity limitations will prevent it from replacing fiber. Although the world is currently using 4G LTE and anticipating 5G, wireless connections will likely remain primarily a mobile connection.

Fiber is Everywhere The main advantage of fiber is that it provides almost unlimited bandwidth. Each fiber optic strand can support 10 Gbps with current lasers. DWDM technology allows a single strand to carry dozens of these 10 Gbps channels.

For a time, it seemed that there was a surplus of fiber optic cable that had been installed during the tech boom of the 1990s. Now those dark fiber strands are being lit up, and more capacity is being added every day.

Google is right: the future is fiber. Gigabit bandwidth will soon be commonplace, followed by 10 Gbps and then 100 Gbps. There is no limit in sight.

It is not just Google in select cities or Verizon’s FiOS. Every incumbent telecom company and all the new competitive service providers are racing to make fiber their standard connection for both homes and businesses.

SONET Out, Ethernet In Incumbent telephone companies and long-line providers built their fiber networks with the SONET protocol. All new networks, however, are being built around Carrier Ethernet, and the older networks are quickly converting.

Sometimes, installing Ethernet over SONET is the most logical upgrade. When starting from scratch, though, native Ethernet is the preferred protocol.

Ethernet is directly compatible with the local networks in every home and business and all the equipment that connects to them. Carrier Ethernet is extremely scalable, with many more increments in bandwidth than SONET.

Furthermore, Ethernet services can be scaled quickly and easily. You can generally call your provider and have your bandwidth upgraded immediately or within a few days.

Finding Fiber Services Quickly You could try the old-fashioned way of searching a phone directory for telecom carriers in your area or run an online search. You’ll probably find some, but you might miss out on others.

Using a search engine specifically designed to find fiber optic bandwidth is much more efficient. GeoQoute (™) is a simple, automated system that can connect you with fiber optic providers in your area.

Does this sound good? Do a fast search for fiber optic network services now and see what you may have been missing for years.