Fibre Internet – How it works
The Arrival of Fibre Internet
You may associate the roll out of Fibre networks in your area as a process that led to trenched pavements and lumpy driveways for a short while… before the beauty of faster internet entered your home.
Although it arrived in a whirlwind, this form of internet connection has now become a necessity for most, especially considering the growth in businesses turning to remote since 2020. Furthermore, since most modern devices depend on a stable connection for use, fibre internets’ unmatched speed and reliability has turned it into a huge success.
Though the real question is how does fibre internet work? We’re here to tell you how!
How does Fibre Internet work?
Fibre internet makes use of fibre-optic cables to establish its connection instead of traditional copper wires. These cables have a lower distortion level than their traditional alternative, which means that they are better at transmitting as well as carrying data. In turn, overall speed and bandwidth improves.
Another main difference we see in the use of fibre-optic cables is that it makes use of light, instead of electricity, for this higher bandwidth capability. These cables are made of smaller, extremely thin optical fibres which consist of a core and cladding. Each cable has the potential to carry hundreds of these strands.
The core, the innermost part, is where the light is able to travel while the cladding is wrapped around for protection. Together these two parts are combined to create an internal reflection which is what allows the light to travel without escaping.
The light pulsing through these cables hit the glass cladding at an extremely shallow angle which enables a mirror like reflection. This reaction is encompassed through the cladding as it carries a different optical density to that of the core.
When the light pulses reach their final destination, the optical network terminal turns it into electrical ethernet which facilitates the internet connection. The light sent through these cables also effectively sustain and carry binary data which is how the connection maintains high stability.
The Unmatched Benefits of Fibre Internet
Fibre optic technology offers a significant leap in internet performance over traditional copper or wireless connections. By transmitting data using pulses of light through thin strands of glass, fibre provides unparalleled speed, reliability, and low latency (the time it takes for data to travel). These core advantages translate into transformative benefits for both residential users and commercial enterprises.
Benefits of Fibre Internet for Homes
For the modern connected household, fibre is no longer a luxury, it’s essential for a seamless digital life.
- Unrivalled Speed and Bandwidth: Fibre easily handles multiple high-demand activities simultaneously. You can stream 4K or 8K video on one device while others are gaming online and participating in video calls, all without buffering or slowdown.
- Superior Reliability: Unlike copper, fibre is not susceptible to electromagnetic interference or harsh weather conditions (like lightning or rain fade). This results in a stable, consistent connection with minimal downtime.
- Enhanced Gaming and Video Calls: The low latency provided by fibre is critical for competitive online gaming, eliminating frustrating lag. Similarly, it ensures video conferencing (for remote work or education) is crisp, clear, and perfectly synchronised.
- Future-Proofing: As smart homes become standard, fibre provides the necessary bandwidth to support a growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and future technological advancements.
Benefits of Fibre Internet for Businesses
In the commercial world, connectivity is directly linked to productivity and competitive advantage.
- Boosted Productivity and Efficiency: Fibre enables instantaneous cloud access and the rapid upload and download of massive files.
- Reliable Voice and Data Services: Fibre ensures high-quality VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems and video conferencing tools operate without dropped calls or choppy audio.
- Support for Multiple Users: Businesses often have lots of devices connected at once. Fibre provides the symmetric speed and capacity needed to support a high density of users without sacrificing performance for anyone.
- Better Data Security: Fibre cables are more difficult to tap into than copper, offering inherent security benefits. Furthermore, the superior reliability minimizes the risk of costly service interruptions.
- Scalability: Fibre is inherently scalable. Businesses can easily increase their bandwidth as they grow without needing major infrastructure overhauls.
How does installation work?
Whether you have already had fibre installed in your area or not, chances are good that you have witnessed the construction involved and cables being laid into the open trenches.
When fibre rollout is approved for an area, the first step is to install a fibre ring. This is what feeds fibre into your area from a central distribution hub. After this, the trenching begins in order to install all necessary fibre-optic cables to link to this central distribution, to ensure that the connection runs successfully once set up.
After the “nitty gritty” of the outdoor installation is complete, you may choose a suitable service provider to install an ONT (optical network terminal) and a fibre compatible Wi-Fi router in your home.
Our partner in fibre installation, Lightstruck, details their installation process as follows:
Once your area has had fibre-optic cables installed, a technician will connect the cable running in your street to a device called an ONT (optical network terminal) inside your home.
After this is done your fibre line is activated.
Thereafter, you will need a compatible wireless router to plug into your ONT in order to activate your connection.
Once your router is set up, and your service provider has activated your internet, you will be ready and connected!
Eliminating the Delays: Our Direct Approach to Fibre Installation
When you decide to upgrade to high-speed fibre internet, you expect exactly that: speed! However, the reality often involves navigating a complex web of multiple parties and lengthy procedures, leading to frustrating delays.
Yutiliti is different. We’ve revolutionized the fibre installation process by eliminating unnecessary hurdles. Our direct approach streamlines every step, from your instant online sign-up to a hassle-free and efficient installation. We take ownership of the process, ensuring clear communication and a significantly faster turnaround time compared to traditional models.
Why Choose Yutiliti?
- Proven Expertise: With years of experience in the Southern African fibre installation market, our skilled team possesses the knowledge and expertise to handle projects of any scale.
- Streamlined Efficiency: Our optimized processes minimize delays and ensure a quick and seamless installation experience.
- Customer-Centric Approach: We prioritize clear communication, transparency, and your complete satisfaction throughout the entire journey.
- Reliable and High-Quality Installations: We are committed to delivering robust and dependable fibre connections you can rely on.
- Focus on Speed and Convenience: We understand your need for speed, both in your internet connection and in the installation process itself.
Ready to experience the Yutiliti difference? Get Fibre NOW and unlock the full potential of high-speed internet.
Types of optical fibre
Single mode:
This optical fibre has a very thin core that is typically 5 to 10 microns in diameter and has the capacity to carry only a single mode of light. By decreasing the light pulses that travel through the core, attenuation is slightly lowered which allows the signal to travel further.
This is typically suited for television, internet and telephone signals.
Multi-mode:
This optical fibre is bigger than the single mode fibre, which allows several modes of light to travel through it in different paths. This allows more data to be transferred through a shorter distance.
These are typically used for activities such as linking computer networks.
Different kinds of fibre connections
Fibre to home/premises
This fibre connection means that connection itself is pulled straight onto your desired premises. This is the most common manner of setting up home connections in South Africa.
Fibre to desktop
This fibre connection allows the fibre internet to be directly connected to the user’s desktop for a pure connection.
Fibre to curb
This fibre connection is created outside your premises typically at the nearest pole or utility box. Following the FTTC installation, coaxial cables are able to send signals into your location. This is done by using both fibre-optic cables and copper wires.
Fibre to node
This fibre connection provides a stable connection to those within a certain radius of the node itself. The connection from the node into your home is generally made with existing DSL lines.
Fibre to building/basement
This fibre connection allows for a connection to be brought to the building itself before being distributed throughout the building with copper wiring.
Get connected fast with Yutiliti
If you noticed fibre being rolled out in your area but have not set up a connection in your home just yet – we can assist. Although nothing is as fast as our fibre, we will have you set up and your admin done in just 10 minutes. A couple of days later you will be ready to connect to the internet at newfound lightening speeds!
We hope you are not still wondering ‘how does fibre internet work?’, though if you are maybe it’s time to check out its unmatched speed for yourself.
Don’t have fibre in your area just yet? Not to worry. Simply express your interest with us for the process to start.
Fibre Internet FAQs
Understanding Fibre Technology
Q: What is Fibre Internet and how does it work?
Fibre internet uses optical fibre – thin strands of glass – to transmit data as pulses of light. This is fundamentally different from traditional ADSL (DSL) which uses copper wires and electricity. Because light travels faster and the cables are immune to electromagnetic interference, fibre provides a significantly faster and more reliable internet connection.
Q: What is the difference between Yutiliti and Lightstruck?
- Lightstruck is the Network Owner (or Fibre Network Provider). They are responsible for planning, installing, owning, and maintaining the physical fibre network infrastructure in your area.
- Yutiliti is your Internet Service Provider (ISP). We are the company that sells you the fibre package, handles your billing, provides your Wi-Fi router, and is your primary point of contact for all service and support queries.
Q: What does FTTH stand for?
FTTH stands for Fibre To The Home, which is the term used when the fibre optic cable runs directly into your residential property to provide you with a high-speed connection.
Getting Connected
Q: How long does the fibre installation process take?
The full installation process from the moment you order takes a few days for activation. However, the physical installation at your premises, often referred to as the Home Drop– is typically completed in approximately 2 hours, though this can vary depending on the complexity of your property.
Q: What equipment do I need for Fibre Internet?
You need two main pieces of equipment:
- The ONT (Optical Network Terminal): This is the small device installed inside your home by the Lightstruck technician. Its job is to convert the light signals from the fibre cable into a standard internet signal (Ethernet).
- The Wi-Fi Router: This device connects to the ONT and broadcasts the internet signal as Wi-Fi throughout your home, allowing all your devices to connect wirelessly. Yutiliti often supplies a WAN-enabled router with your package.
Q: Do I need to be home for the installation?
Yes. You or a responsible adult needs to be present during the Home Drop installation. The technician will need to discuss and agree on the best route for the cable and the final placement of the ONT device inside your house.
Service & Support
Q: Who do I contact if my fibre is not working?
You should always contact Yutiliti (your Internet Service Provider) first for all technical, billing, or general queries.
If the problem is with the physical fibre line itself, we will manage the process of logging a fault with the Network Owner, Lightstruck, on your behalf and arranging a technician visit.
Q: Will my fibre internet work during load shedding (power outages)?
Yes, if you have backup power for your home equipment.
The Lightstruck fibre network itself has backup power and is designed to remain operational during power outages. However, your connection will only stay live if you provide power to the devices installed inside your house: the ONT and your Wi-Fi Router. This is typically done with a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
Q: What does it mean if the LOS light on my ONT is RED?
If the LOS (Loss of Signal) light on your ONT box is glowing RED or flashing, it generally indicates that there is a physical break or severe fault on your fibre line between your house and the main street box. You should immediately contact Yutiliti support so we can report the physical damage to Lightstruck for urgent repair.