How Long Does It Take To Install Fiber Optic Internet Fiber optic internet is highly sought after for its remarkable speed, capable of reaching up to 940 Mbps, making it a popular choice among homeowners. If you’re curious about the installation time for fiber optic internet, we’ve done the research to provide you with an answer!
The duration of fiber optic internet installation can vary based on whether it is installed underground or aerially. Anticipate a timeframe of five to seven working days for the installation process to be completed.
But before diving into the installation timeline, let’s gain a better understanding of fiber optic cable and why it’s becoming increasingly popular.
Getting Acquainted with Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable is one of two primary cable types used by internet contractors for transmitting internet signals, with the other being copper wire. Copper cables, with their low-voltage electrical pulses, are the more familiar option. These pulses travel through copper cables and transform into binary information, which is then processed by a computer at the other end.
In contrast, fiber optic cable relies on light pulses to transmit data, with a computer processing the information at the receiving end through a glass filament.
Why the Shift to Fiber Optic Internet?
While copper cable networks offer robust backend support, their limited bandwidth can hinder innovation in today’s digital age. The internet’s importance to our economy, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores its role as a critical utility, akin to electricity and clean water.
High-end copper networks can achieve low Gbps speeds, but they can also encounter issues such as asymmetrical speeds (slower uploads than downloads), diminishing returns in signal quality, electrical interference, and inefficiency.
Fiber optic internet stands out as a superior alternative to copper cable networks, offering benefits like reduced electricity consumption, immunity to electrical interference, corrosion resistance, suitable transfer rates, and the capability to transmit at speeds exceeding 100 Gbps. Many data centers rely on fiber optic connections, and cities are rapidly adopting this technology.
Understanding Fiber Optic Installation
To transition to the “connected” or “installed” stage of fiber optic internet installation, a residence must move beyond the “home passed” phase. Here’s the distinction between these two phases:
- Home Passed: At this stage, a house qualifies to receive services from the fiber optic distribution plant but isn’t yet connected. It implies that the fiber optic line passes by the house along the street.
- Connected: A “drop” cable runs fiber optic from the nearest network node to the house, allowing customers to access video, voice services, and data.
Utilizing fiber optic internet is a cost-effective way to provide network connectivity to areas with high data traffic, video streaming, and voice communication needs.
How Providers Implement Fiber Optic Installation
The installation of fiber optic networks involves either underground or aerial cable deployment, depending on the specific circumstances. Here’s an overview:
- Underground Cable: Providers may install fiber cables underground using conduit systems, employing techniques like jack and bore, trenching, multi-directional bore, directional bore, or plowing.
- Aerial Cable: Fiber optic lines can also be installed along overhead telephone or utility poles.
Installation Timeframes
The duration of fiber optic installation hinges on whether it’s an aerial or underground deployment. Aerial installations typically take up to five working days, while underground installations can extend beyond seven working days due to their more complex and time-consuming nature.
Preparations for Fiber Optic Internet Installation
Before commencing fiber-to-home installation, fiber internet providers must secure work permits and conduct on-site assessments. Key considerations include:
- Civil Engineering: This phase encompasses mapping, site surveys, terrain inspections, and the analysis of potential utility conflicts, such as water and electricity.
- Thorough Preparation: On-site examinations of the ground for underground fiber or poles for aerial installation are conducted, starting from the street to the residence.
- Licensing or Permitting: Providers must submit engineering plans, outline equipment establishment or haulage details, and ensure access to public spaces or rights of way.
Applications of Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber optic internet finds extensive application across various scenarios:
- In-building Cabling: Fiber optic cables are installed throughout buildings, and multi-mode fiber optic installation is common for shorter cable lengths due to its lower transceiver costs.
- Platform Cabling: Fiber optics excel in remote-scale applications where electrical interference could have severe consequences, such as on airplanes or the International Space Station.
- Outside Plant Installations: This includes underground and aerial installations connecting transfer stations and central switches, often measured in miles of deployed cable.
- Wiring Operations: Fiber optic networks simplify telecommunication room or closet setups by eliminating the need for additional equipment like cooling, power amplifiers, signal boosters, and grounding.
Cost of Fiber Optic Internet Installation
The cost of a brand-new fiber optic installation varies based on several factors. On average, the installation cost for one foot of fiber cable ranges from $1 to $6. For instance, a mile of 12-strand single-mode fiber cable costs approximately $8,500 to $10,000, while a mile of 96-strand single-mode cable may range from $20,000 to $30,000. Conduit expenses, ranging from $2 to $4 per linear foot, are also influenced by duct length.
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Why Professional Fiber Optic Installers Matter
Professionals are essential for fiber optic installation due to its delicate nature and technical requirements. They possess the necessary tools, expertise, and knowledge of industry standards. Incorrect installation can result in damage to costly materials.
Professionals also ensure safety by preventing hazards like sparks during fusion splicing, chemical issues, eye protection concerns, and proper fragment disposal. Hiring experts helps prevent accidents and mistakes, saving money in the long run.
Additionally, professional installers are well-versed in city regulations and permits, ensuring that installations proceed smoothly and without delays.
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In conclusion,
Fiber optic internet installation may be challenging, time-consuming, and costly, but its numerous advantages make it a worthwhile investment. With this comprehensive overview, you’re well-equipped to navigate the world of fiber optic internet. If you’d like to explore more informative articles, feel free to check out our other offerings!