New technologies tend to change attention in the market. Technological leaps often entail both new business opportunities for operators and new enhanced expectations from consumers. In such a situation, it is natural to firstly consider the latest technology as this intuitively is supposed the right direction for the future. However, when network owners have to choose between investing in fiber optics or wireless for the future, the better option is far from obvious.
Choosing either fixed solid physical fibers buried in the ground or flexible invisible radio transmission may seem like the fundamental choice. Yet, it is not as simple as that. There are numerous considerations to find the optimal solution for your specific operations over time. First, you should decide why you compare fiber optics to wireless.
If you think of investing exclusively in one of these two technologies, your comparison would typically focus:
If your scope is to project and invest in an optimal network irrespective of technology, a mix of optical fiber and wireless would probably be your best choice. In this situation the comparison would rather focus which technology to use for which part of the network in order to achieve the optimal blend. Typical features to compare would be:
Ultimately, long-time revenue will depend on the network’s life time costs and earnings. Earnings will depend on end-users’ willingness to pay, which in turn is related to technical, operational qualities. That is why a relevant comparison between a fiber optic and a wireless network must be made from both an investment and an operational point of view.
Comparing fiber optic and wireless networks should be made from both an investment and an operational point of view.
Your final decision should be based on thorough analysis by technical expertise. Still, a general comparison of technologies will indicate which way to go.
Just like building railroads, the building of a fiber optic network is a time and effort consuming project. Typically, it takes months to install such a network and accordingly, at substantial cost. But, just like the railroad, once it is in place in the ground, the cost is taken, and it stays fixed in place with a very long lifetime.
Installing a wireless network is a quicker project. Typically, it can be installed in a few days. Once installed, it is a flexible network with good possibilities for redesigning according to needs.
In the fiber optic network data literally transmits at the speed of light, i.e., the highest possible speed according to the laws of physics. The fiber optic network transmission remains the unsurpassed paramount of speed.
Even if radio waves as such travel at the speed of light, a wireless network will be congested when many users share the same bandwidth. The more users using the wireless network at the same time, the slower transmission speed will become.
As the optic fiber conveys a clear and unaffected signal over a long distance (up to 100 km), a wired network provides an entirely clear signal irrespective of distance. Accordingly, the fiber optic network is an option also for wide-range applications and carrier networks.
When travelling a long distance, the signal strength will weaken and become increasingly sensitive to interference. To avoid signal deterioration, additional equipment is needed to keep signal quality over distance. A wireless network is an option mainly for short distance transmission.
Reasonably, the optic fiber is the most reliable way of connecting to the internet. Due to using light signals, the cables are not susceptible to electromagnetic fields or signal interference. This makes the network the most reliable performer. And also, fiber cables are safely buried and not attractive to thieves.
The wireless radio signal travels unprotected through the air. By this, it is prone to interference from other factors distorting the signal.
If you look for long-term solid reliability, a fiber optic network most likely is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize flexibility, wireless would probably be your candidate.
But, in reality, the choice is not that simple. It is your specific plan for the network that will define the needs and the technical preferences, accordingly. Not until you really know how your network will support your business model, you can make the relevant choice of which way to go: fiber optic or wireless – or both ways!
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This article was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated with minor edits.