What is the Difference Between Full Fibre and Copper Fibre Internet?

Full Fibre broadband offers increased bandwidth, better reach, and improved reliability compared to copper and copper fibre broadband. However, full fibre installation tends to be more expensive, and some hardware and equipment might need to be upgraded.

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However, while full fibre does offer performance and security benefits compared to a copper fibre connection, you might not need the upgrade just yet. 

Below, we look at the differences between the two so you can decide which is best.

 

What Is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the most commonly compared and advertised feature of broadband packages. It is what determines download and upload speeds. Technically, it is the maximum volume of data that can be transferred at any time. 

Whether you’re a home broadband user or run a large enterprise, capacity matters, and this is one of the significant areas of difference between copper fibre and full-fibre connections.

 

Copper Fibre Internet

A copper fibre or partial fibre network uses fibre optic cables to run up to the broadband provider’s exchange or cabinet. From the cabinet to your building, this type of connection relies on existing copper phoneline systems, negating the need to replace copper wiring with fibre optic wiring. However, using copper cables even over a relatively short distance hampers the bandwidth of a connection.

 

The Benefits

Copper fibre broadband uses a network that has been in place for decades. 

- Virtually every single property is serviced by copper cables, which means there is no additional cost to connect to the network and users do not need to wait to be connected. 

- Hardware is also compatible with the network, which means there are no additional infrastructure upgrade costs or downtime.

 

What Is Full Fibre Broadband?

Full fibre broadband uses the same fibre network to reach the provider’s cabinet, but rather than transfer to copper cable, it continues on a fibre line right up to the home or business premises. 

Unless existing fibre optic cables are in place, a full-fibre connection does require the installation of fibre cables at the customer’s end, but it offers improved bandwidth, security, and performance.

 

The Benefits

There are several benefits to full fibre broadband, beyond the increased download and upload speeds it offers.

- The biggest benefit is the increased bandwidth full fibre offers. Copper has a maximum capacity of around 10 Gigabits per second, while full fibre can theoretically achieve a bandwidth of 60 terabytes per second. 

- It also suffers less signal loss and data can be transferred over longer distances. 

- Finally, fibre cables are more resilient to physical damage as well as interference from weather conditions, electricity, and fire.

 

Full Fibre Or Copper Fibre Internet?

Full fibre broadband offers improved capacity and performance. Most homes, businesses, and home offices have multiple devices, many of which rely on the frequent transfer of data via an Internet connection. 

Total bandwidth requirements double roughly every 18 months, which means even if you aren’t ready for an upgrade yet because you aren’t hitting your maximum limits, having a full-fibre connection now means you will be ready for the future.