Dedicated VS. Shared

Dedicated vs. Shared

When it comes to fiber optic internet, there are three distinct types of fiber delivery. There are also two distinct ways that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) connect your home to the network. You can be connected with shared fiber, or connected with dedicated fiber.

When it comes to fiber optic internet, there are three distinct types of fiber delivery. There are also two distinct ways that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) connect your home to the network. You can be connected with shared fiber, or connected with dedicated fiber.

What is Shared Fiber?

Shared fiber simply means more than one residential unit is using the same fiber connection. Essentially, the single fiber connection from the data node is split when it comes into the building. Shared fiber typically uses the existing building infrastructure which is copper based (ethernet, coaxial cable, etc.). Sometimes, shared fiber bandwidth is spread across other buildings many miles away using point-to-point radio shot. Before we look at the pros and cons of shared fiber, let’s first look at dedicated fiber.

What is Dedicated Fiber?

Dedicated fiber is true to its name. Each individual resident connection has its own fiber connection out to the data node. It connects from the property all the way out to the data hub where it then connects to the fiber backbone. Each dedicated customer has their own connection and bandwidth that isn’t shared with any other customer.

Pros and Cons

Shared Fiber

• Pros
  • Fewer fibers need to be pulled to serve a large number of customers
  • Smaller infrastructure costs can be passed on to customers
  • Large bandwidth potential because it’s still fiber
• Cons
  • All customers share the same bandwidth
  • Uses older, existing low-tech infrastructure
  • Limited bandwidth capacity because of copper cable limitations
  • Slower speeds and throttling during peak usage (6-10pm)
    • Gamers can experience more lag
    • Streamers can experience buffering and loading issues
    • Telecommuters can experience cut outs during conferencing

Dedicated Fiber

• Pros
  • No sharing your bandwidth with any neighbors
  • Streamers and Telecommuters will have excellent video experiences
  • Get the speed that you pay for (not up-to speeds)
  • No throttling during peak usage
  • Low latency gives gamers a competitive advantage
  • True dedicated fiber will future-proof your internet needs for decades
• Cons
  • Higher upfront infrastructure costs
  • Installation time takes longer to wire the whole building with fiber
  • No time to run to the bathroom while your video streaming service loads