Fiber optic internet is becoming more readily available around the world and emerging as a top choice for high-speed internet as opposed to slower connections like broadband and cable.
Fiber optic ethernet cable is considered the future of internet connection. They provide fast connectivity for internet, cable, and telephone connections. As fiber optic internet transmits light signals, fiber internet can deliver up to 10Gbps + network speed and 99.9% uptime.
Once you have chosen your internet provider and signed up for the service, fiber optic cable installation comes next. In this guide, we’ll reveal how to install fiber optic internet and the typical cost. We will also cover the things you’ll need to install fiber optic cable.
If you are located in Durango, Bayfield, Cortez or Ignacio, Colorado and in the New Mexico communities of Farmington, Aztec and Bloomfield, then you’ll want to reach out to FastTrack Communications, the only locally-based fiber internet provider in the area.
Let’s start with what a fiber optic internet encompasses.
What is Fiber Internet?
Before learning how to install fiber optic internet, we must know what it is first. As the name suggests, fiber internet is an internet connection that works with efficient fiber optic cables. These cables are made from thin fibers of glass or plastic that transmit the information as pulses of light across long distances.
Compared to metal wires, the cables pulse lights which carry significantly more signal and data, are less prone to data loss, and are immune to electromagnetic interference. The transmission speed is extremely fast and almost unbreachable, unlike DSL copper telephone wires.
Fiber optic internet can offer up to 10Gbps and beyond, depending on what the service provider offers. The speed and reliability of this internet make it suitable for providing internet to your entire workforce, running cloud-based applications, uploads and downloads of large blocks of data, video conferencing, secure data transactions, and many more internet-based activities.
How Does Fiber Internet Work?
Fiber optic internet provides two major components, the glass core, and the cladding. The main part of the cable where light travels through is the core. Wrapped around the outside of the core is another layer of glass called cladding. The cladding keeps the light signal inside the core.
Light signals hit the glass wall (cladding) and reflect to pass through the core. Fiber optic internet transmits light pulses that travel at the speed of light using total internal reflection.
These signals are transmitted into the Optical Network Terminal which converts light signals transmitted through the internet.
Unlike traditional copper lines or coaxial cables, fiber optic is designed to transmit across long distances without losing efficiency or reliability. The signal also remains stable during challenging weather patterns and heavy rainfalls.
How is Fiber Optic Different From Other Types of the Internet?
The main difference is that fiber does not use electric current as other types of internet connections do. It employs light delivered through a fiber glass core. This enables internet speeds that are much faster than that of older technologies.
Internet technologies have dramatically evolved throughout the years. Here’s a brief synopsis of how fiber optic compares to other types of internet connections.
Dial-up Internet
Dial-up uses existing telephone lines which are usually made of copper. This outdated technology makes use of a public switched telephone network to access the internet.
The average speed of dial-up connections is about 56kps (0.05 Mbps) for uploads and downloads. On the other hand, fiber optic ethernet cable offers an incredible speed of 10Gbps and beyond to meet your business needs.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Digital subscriber lines also use telephone lines to transmit data. But, in contrast to dial-up, DSL uses inaudible frequencies and can deliver an internet speed of up to 25Mbps.
DSL experiences unexpected breakdowns and slow connections. However, fiber optic internet works regardless of harsh weather conditions.
Cable Internet
Cable internet is the type of connection that works with coaxial cables and infrastructure. Since it works with outdated technology, it can only deliver a maximum of 100Mbps. In comparison, fiber optic technology offers 10Gbps and stays consistent, regardless of bad weather conditions.
How is Fiber Optic Different From Other Types of the Internet?
The main difference is that fiber does not use electric current as other types of internet connections do. It employs light delivered through a fiber glass core. This enables internet speeds that are much faster than that of older technologies.
Internet technologies have dramatically evolved throughout the years. Here’s a brief synopsis of how fiber optic compares to other types of internet connections.
Dial-up Internet
Dial-up uses existing telephone lines which are usually made of copper. This outdated technology makes use of a public switched telephone network to access the internet.
The average speed of dial-up connections is about 56kps (0.05 Mbps) for uploads and downloads. On the other hand, fiber optic ethernet cable offers an incredible speed of 10Gbps and beyond to meet your business needs.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Digital subscriber lines also use telephone lines to transmit data. But, in contrast to dial-up, DSL uses inaudible frequencies and can deliver an internet speed of up to 25Mbps.
DSL experiences unexpected breakdowns and slow connections. However, fiber optic internet works regardless of harsh weather conditions.
Cable Internet
Cable internet is the type of connection that works with coaxial cables and infrastructure. Since it works with outdated technology, it can only deliver a maximum of 100Mbps. In comparison, fiber optic technology offers 10Gbps and stays consistent, regardless of bad weather conditions.
What You Need to Install Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable installation needs a high level of skill and attention to detail. If not done correctly, it can lead to poor performance and expensive repairs. However, you can successfully install fiber optic cable for your business with the right tools and safety precautions.
If your business is located in the Colorado communities of Durango, Bayfield,, Cortez, Mancos, Dolores, and Ignacio, or the New Mexico communities of Farmington, Aztec, and Bloomfield, then you’ll want to review our internet and VoIP business solutions as we likely already have fiber optic cables installed in your area.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to install fiber optic cable internet:
Collect All the Necessary Equipment
Fiber optic cables, splicing equipment, connectors, a fiber optic cable stripper, a fiber optic cleaver, and a fiber optic microscope are the necessary tools to carry out self-installation.
Additional tools such as hammers, drills, and cable ties may be required depending on specific installation requirements.
Plan the Path of Your Fiber Optic Cable
Determine the direct route of your fiber optic cable from its origin to its destination. When installing fiber optics for your business, assess the route thoroughly for any obstacles or connector splices that may be required.
Create a port map to guide you on where to lay and connect each cable. A port map features the name of each port, patch panels, location of network cabinets, and hardware devices.
Splice and Connect the Fibers to Their Respective Connectors
Remove the outer cable of the fiber optic cable using the stripper to expose the fibers inside. Splicing the fibers together is required when connecting multiple sessions of the fiber optic cable.
To do this, use the fiber optic cleaver to cut the fibers at the correct length before joining them together with the splicing tool. Then, use the optic microscope to carefully align and secure the fibers with the connectors.
Locate your Fiber Optic Network
To properly install your fiber internet, you first need an optical network terminal (OPT) connecting you to your provider’s network. Unlike phone jacks or coax jacks, fiber terminals are typically bigger. Once you’ve found your terminal, make sure that the power light is on.
Connect Your Fiber Terminal to the Network Box
The next step when you want to know how to install fiber optic internet is to connect your network gateway to the terminal. Typically, this is done with an ethernet cable. Plug one end of the ethernet cable into the port on the terminal, and plug the other end into the port on the network box. This is typically labeled “ONT.”
If the output of the terminal is wired to one or more jacks, find an appropriate ethernet jack to connect your network box.
Plug in Your Network Box
Once the gateway has been properly connected to your fiber terminal, the next step is to connect the power cord to the network box and then plug it into a power source. The lights should turn on and start blinking. Sometimes, this may take up to 15 minutes.
Connect the Device to the Gateway
To set up your Wi-Fi network, you must connect your device, either a laptop, phone, or desktop, to your gateway. Many network boxes create a default Wi-Fi network.
The final step on how to install fiber optic cable is setting up your Wi-Fi network name and password.
Tips
- When installing fiber optic cable, use appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Make sure to follow all local building codes and regulations. This includes obtaining permits and adhering to strict installation guidelines.
- High-quality cables and connectors should be used. Cheap, low-quality materials can lead to poor performance.
- After installing, test the fiber optic connection to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Scheduling a Fiber Optic Installation Appointment
Rather than facing the hassles of learning how to install fiber optic internet, you can always contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Once you’ve chosen a fiber optic internet provider, like FastTrack Communications, you can schedule an appointment with a technician.
During the appointment, your technician will install a small utility box called an “optical network terminal” (ONT) inside or outside your property. Then, the technician will run a cable from the equipment box to the ONT, which carries the fiber optic internet from a larger network to your premises. Once the terminal box is hooked to the network, it will be linked to a router via an Ethernet connection.
After the technician completes the installation, your Wi-Fi-enabled router will be set up and your devices will be connected to the new network. Then, you can find the assigned network name (SSID) and default password (security key) on the label attached to the fiber optic router.
What are the Usual Installation Costs of Fiber Optic Internet?
Now we’ve covered how to install fiber optic internet, let’s briefly discuss the estimated costs for installation service and factors that impact it.
Most businesses are retiring copper networks and embracing fiber optic internet due to its high-speed connectivity of 10Gbps and beyond, reliability, and high levels of efficiency. The Impressive capability of fiber internet has many businesses rushing to upgrade their internet, but there’s one question everybody has: how much does install fiber optic cable cost?
The average cost of fiber ranges from $1 (24 counts) to $5 (288 counts) per foot. While the cost of the material is easy to calculate, estimating the installation cost of fiber optic internet is tricky as it is determined by several factors.
If the building has a telecom room or DMARC room, fibers can be pulled into that room. Each business in the building is responsible for pulling their CAT 5 cable to the DMARC room. Similarly if there is one business in the building, that business is responsible for the internal wiring.
In general, the cost is estimated based on the number of drops required in the building. You can expect to pay $15,000 for wiring a commercial building with around 100 drops. The price will increase with the drop counts in the building.
If fiber construction requires digging a trench to install fiber into your building or physical obstacles such as railroads or bodies of water stand in your way, there will be a variance in price.
To make it easier to estimate your ballpark figure, consider the following:
- Does Your Business Have an Existing Conduit?
- Is your Building Fiber-lit?
- What Options Does Your Service Provider Have?
Does Your Business Have an Existing Conduit?
The installation cost will be low if your building already has a conduit to house the optical fiber. However, make sure the building’s inner duct has enough space for additional cables to pass through. The optimal fill ratio of a conduit is 40%.
Is your Building Fiber-lit?
The most critical factor that determines the cost of fiber installation is the distance you need to cover with the fiber. If fiber facilities are already installed in the building and connected to a provider’s network, the installation charge will be significantly lower and if you sign a longer term contract, the installation fee may be waived.
However, if it is not, you need to find the nearest access point. If the fiber stops near your building, pricing can be reasonable. If it is a mile away, be prepared to potentially pay for build out costs. If there is more than one business at the location and a longer term contract is signed, the cost of the build out can be little to none.
What Options Does Your Service Provider Have?
The cost also varies according to the service provider you choose. We recommend working with a locally based company that maintains its network, like FastTrack Communications. We offer more reasonable quotes for fiber than national providers and provide 24/7/365 local support.
Furthermore, local service providers are more efficient in obtaining the required permit from local authorities.
How to Get Fiber Optic Internet to Your Area
For businesses in Durango, CO and Farmington, NM, having high-speed internet is a must. This is especially true if you work with IT and cloud-based applications.
A reliable internet connection with blazing speed will not only ensure optimal connectivity but also greater productivity.
FastTrack Communications is the top fiber-optic internet provider in Durango, CO , Farmington, NM and the surrounding communities. We are a regionally -based business offering bundled solutions with up to 10G+ internet and hosted VoIP.
Fiber optic installation requires expert knowledge for optimal installation. Fortunately for you, FastTrack Communications owns over 420 miles of fiber optic cables for fast transmission, reliability, and security.
Geography is an important aspect to consider when it comes to fast and reliable internet services. Being a local Durango, CO and Farmington, NM provider, we understand your need for a high-speed connection. That’s why we offer up to 99.9% reliable fiber optic networks.
FastTrack understands that fast internet speed is a priority for managing your business operations and efficiently increasing productivity. Our fiber optic network lines are 99.9% reliable and 100x faster than DSL and cable connections.
We’re fully committed to providing you with excellent service at affordable rates. Our bundled plan with voice services is guaranteed to cut costs for your business unlike when using regular phone lines or older PBX systems.
Having a scalable internet service provider is significant to your business growth. FastTrack offers highly scalable internet solutions that can be upgraded as your business grows.
Your company will have the most efficient data transport for cloud-based applications. As regards data security, our fiber optic internet can securely upload your compliance data and perform secured transactions.
From medical facilities, banks and multi-tenant office buildings, we provide internet services to all types of businesses. FastTrack has been Durango’s trusted provider for over 20 years.
Call us now to enable high-speed internet for your business. Consult our experts with a free, zero-obligation call and get a quote at 800-755-0558. For more information about fiber optic internet, visit our website: https://fasttrackcomm.net/fasttrack-service-request/.