In 2019, the internet has become a staple necessity to life, along with having a job, routine entertainment and a place to find semi-reliable knowledge; the internet provides avenues to all these requirements. The internet has revolutionised our way of life and has come a long way since inception, but exactly how does Fibre internet work? Let’s find out.
Ask a Gen Z kid, “what’s a dial-up connection?" and he might look at you with a sense of bemuse on his face. The world has vastly changed since the good old dial up connection days of sitting at your mom’s dining room table, praying a relative doesn’t call up on the house phone, interrupting your almost stable connection of 700 kbps.
Ah, the sweet sound of dial-up internet. For many of us who grew up in the '90s or early 2000s, Dial-up internet is a type of internet connection that was commonly used in the early days of the internet. It utilizes a modem and telephone line to establish a connection between a computer and an Internet Service Provider (ISP). When connecting to the internet, the modem dials a phone number provided by the ISP, and once the connection is established, data is transmitted over the phone line. it's a sound that brings back memories of a simpler time when the internet was still a novelty,
But since the mid 2000’s, ADSL provided a more stable connection but brought through matters of copper theft and weather interference on your line. Enter LTE (Long Term Evolution), a little under a decade later and we’re blown away by its fast yet stable connection and the ability to take it along with you! Finally, Fibre connections starts making its appearances and we’re in awe; fixed connections with speeds that can go up to 100mbps! Wow! But with all these revolutionising internet connections, LTE and Fibre remain the most desirable.
Let’s break down how they work, the pros and cons of the two:
Lightning LTE: LTE Broadband has become all the rage since ADSL. The promise of better speeds and stable connection tantalised potential customers all over the country. Take it with you and so long as you have coverage, you have internet connection.
How it works?
LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a connectivity method that is used to connect to the mobile network. Faster than 3G, it is a type of 4G connection that provides reliable connection and faster speeds. LTE provides greater bandwidth, allowing increased data to be carried faster between provider and the LTE device you are utilising. In the past, 2G and 3G connectivity worked a bit differently, where the network provider used 2 different methods to maintain communications; your data and a voice/SMS network. LTE, however, is IP based and able to do both on the same network. South African’s get around 20Mbps of download speed.
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We've put together a list of the best South African ISP LTE providers, so whether you're scrolling on social media or streaming movies online, you have the best internet service. Read on
Let’s explore the meaning of fixed LTE!
Fixed LTE refers to a type of internet connection that utilizes LTE technology to provide high-speed internet access to fixed locations, such as homes or businesses. It is called "fixed" because the connection is established in a specific location and is not mobile like a typical mobile LTE network.
Fixed LTE means that it operates on the same cellular networks that are used for mobile devices, but it is specifically designed to offer reliable and consistent internet connectivity to fixed locations.
Fixed LTE would mean that it uses wireless signals to transmit data between your location and the nearest cellular tower.
Fixed LTE, or fixed wireless internet, comes with its own set of pros and cons.
High-Speed Internet: Fixed LTE offers high-speed internet access, allowing users to stream content, download files, and browse the web quickly.
Availability in Underserved Areas: Fixed LTE can be a great solution for areas where traditional wired internet options are limited, providing internet access to underserved regions.
Quick and Easy Installations: Setting up a fixed LTE connection is generally quick and easy, requiring minimal installation time and effort.
Network Latency: Some fixed wireless connections may suffer from network latency, which can result in slower response times for online activities.
Data Caps: Some fixed wireless plans come with data caps, limiting the amount of data that users can consume within a given period.
Not available in all areas: Because a Fixed LTE connection is established only to a specific location and the nearest cellular tower, connectivity may not be accessible everywhere.
Fabulous Fibre
If you opt for a Fibre connection; your internet connectivity is dependent on fibre optic cables. How does Fibre internet work? If you opt for a Fibre connection; your internet connectivity is dependent on fibre optic cables. Fibre optic cables are thin glass fibre threads that utilise light and are bundled together to carry digital data signals; bringing you unlimited information at super speed. It is currently the latest and most advantageous connectivity method in the country; however, is limited based on coverage. Depending on the fibre provider, your area may have fibre infrastructure and you would just need installation of a small box called an ONT (Optical Network Terminal), to your home. You would then connect a LAN cable to your router and you’re good to go.
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Finding the best internet can be a daunting task, it always helps to check if your area is fibre ready, here's what you need to know to have full knowledge of how does Fibre internet work, fibre packages and benefits of fibre broadband
Choosing a type of internet connection and an ISP can be a daunting task. But here are some factors to consider:
Have you decided on which coverage to go for? this will help you decide
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