A thorough comparison of the differences between coaxial cable and optical fiber! Explaining the key points for choosing

Although it is generally thought that fiber optic lines are necessary to use the Internet, coaxial cables can also be used. When setting up an Internet line at home, many people may be unsure of which to choose.

In this article, we will compare coaxial cable and optical fiber lines, explaining their respective features, advantages and disadvantages. We will also introduce guidelines for how to choose, so please use this article as a reference.

Characteristics of coaxial cable and optical fiber line

There are two main types of internet lines: the HFC type "coaxial cable line" that combines optical fiber and coaxial cable, and the FTTH type "optical line" that uses optical fiber cable.

Since these communication methods are completely different, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here we will explain the basic characteristics of coaxial cable and optical fiber line.

Characteristics of coaxial cables

A coaxial cable is a conductor that has a central conductor covered with insulation and a braided shield on the outside. Coaxial cables use the HFC (Hybrid fiber coaxial) method for connecting to the Internet.

The HFC system is a wiring system that takes advantage of the advantages of both coaxial cable and optical fiber. Optical fiber is used to achieve high-speed communication from the broadcasting station to the relay station in the city, and existing coaxial cable for television is used from there to each home.

This combination allows Internet service to be provided without the need for new fiber-optic line construction, making it possible to realize a relatively stable communication environment while keeping implementation costs down. In addition, existing television cables can be reused, so in many cases new construction is not required, making implementation smooth. Another feature is that by subscribing to cable television, you can use television and the Internet as a set.

Characteristics of optical fiber lines

Fiber optic lines are a communication method that uses fiber optic cables. Fiber optic cables are made of fibers about the same thickness as a hair and consist of three layers.

Fiber optic lines use the FTTH (Fiber To The Home) method. The FTTH method is a method in which optical fiber cables are directly pulled from the telecommunications carrier's office to each home. Pulling the optical fiber to the end enables high-speed communication. The ONU (Optical Line Terminal) installed in each home converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, and connects to the Internet via a router.

By using optical fiber for wiring to your home, you can comfortably enjoy large-volume data communications, video viewing, online games, etc. Another attractive feature is that you can use additional services such as optical telephone and optical television.

The difference between coaxial cable and optical fiber

The differences between coaxial cable and optical fiber are explained in the following three points.

• Wiring Method
• communication speed
• Usage fee

Wiring Method

As explained in the features section in the previous chapter, coaxial cables use the HFC standard, while optical fiber lines use the FTTH standard.

With coaxial cable, if a building already has television wiring, that equipment can be used, reducing the amount of construction work required.

On the other hand, fiber optic lines require construction work to lay new fiber optic cables, which may take time depending on the structure of the building.

However, because fiber optic cables are very thin, the appearance after wiring is neat. In condominiums and apartments, the lines you can choose may be limited depending on the wiring situation of the building, so if you want to use an optical fiber line, be sure to check in advance.

communication speed

There is a big difference between the two in terms of communication speed. Coaxial cable generally offers download speeds of several hundred Mbps to a maximum of 1 Gbps, but the actual speed may vary depending on the usage environment and time of day. Although the speed is sufficient, in homes and offices where multiple devices are connected simultaneously, the bandwidth may be a constraint.

On the other hand, fiber optic lines are capable of ultra-high-speed communication with download speeds of up to 10 Gbps, and can maintain stable speeds. If you want to download large amounts of data or enjoy online games, fiber optic lines are more advantageous.

In addition, fiber optic lines usually have the same upload and download speeds, making them convenient for uploading large files to the cloud or working remotely from home. On the other hand, coaxial cables generally have asymmetric speeds, meaning that downloads are fast but uploads are slow. This can mean that it takes a long time to upload large amounts of data.

Usage fee

In terms of cost, coaxial cable generally has a cheaper monthly fee, especially for basic plans, which are often reasonably priced.

Coaxial cable uses existing television wiring, so it is easy to reduce capital investment. In addition, you may be able to get even better value by signing up for a package fee together with television and telephone services.

Although the initial installation costs and monthly fees for fiber optic lines are relatively high, it is possible to reduce the actual burden through discounts for long-term contracts and for simultaneous contracts for multiple services. However, since there may be cases where additional provider fees and equipment rental fees are required, we recommend comparing the total cost.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Coaxial Cable

We will explain the advantages and disadvantages you should be aware of when choosing a coaxial cable.

Be sure to check it out as well as the comparison with fiber optic lines.

Advantages of Coaxial Cable

There are two main advantages to using coaxial cables:

• Can be used in areas without optical fiber
• Enjoy TV without installing an antenna

Can be used in areas without optical fiber

The state of internet line provision varies greatly depending on the region. While fiber optic lines can provide high-speed and stable communication, they are not available in all areas. Fiber optic lines are often underdeveloped in suburban and mountainous areas, and in some cases, it is difficult to install fiber optic lines in condominiums and apartments due to the structure of the building.

Even in such areas, coaxial cable makes it possible to connect to the Internet using existing cable television lines. Coaxial cable is easier to install than optical fiber, and there are fewer restrictions due to building structures, so it has the advantage of being easy to install even in places where it is difficult to install optical fiber lines.

Therefore, if fiber optic lines are not available in your area or if your provider refuses to carry out the installation work, we recommend that you consider a coaxial cable internet line.

Enjoy TV without installing an antenna

Normally, you need to install an antenna outdoors to receive television broadcasts, but using a coaxial cable can eliminate this hassle. This is a major advantage, especially in apartments and condominiums where antenna installation is restricted, or in areas with poor signal reception.

By using cable television service, you can watch not only terrestrial broadcasts but also satellite broadcasts such as BS and CS without installing an outdoor antenna.

Disadvantages of Coaxial Cable

On the other hand, coaxial cables have the following disadvantages:

• Prone to breakdowns
• Limited coverage area

Before signing up for a service, be sure to fully understand the drawbacks.

Prone to breakdowns

The HFC method used with coaxial cables uses a system that combines coaxial cable and optical fiber, so one disadvantage is that it increases the risk of failure of the entire system.

In order to maintain a communications environment, it is necessary for the communication to go through dozens of electrical devices from the main equipment room to each home, and if even one of them breaks down, communication will be interrupted. In addition, since these devices run on electricity, they are prone to failure, and it is necessary to consider the risk that the service itself will not be able to be provided in the event of a power outage.

In the event of equipment failure, the Internet provider will need to carry out recovery work, and it will take several hours for the service to be fully restored. Therefore, due to the characteristics of the system configuration, coaxial cable tends to have lower service stability than optical fiber lines.

Limited coverage area

Coaxial cable can only be used within the cable company's service area, so if you move, you may not have service at your new address.

Furthermore, services may not be available in some areas, even within the same city, town, or village.

When using coaxial cable, make sure to check whether your area is included in the service area.

Advantages and disadvantages of fiber optic lines

Next, we will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of fiber optic lines.

Benefits of fiber optic lines

There are two main benefits to having a fiber optic connection:

• The internet connection is stable
• You can use optical telephone and optical television

The internet connection is stable

In addition to the high speed, another major benefit of fiber optic lines is the stability of communication. Fiber optic lines transmit data using fiber optic cables, which use light instead of electrical signals, making them less susceptible to electromagnetic interference. This means that a stable Internet environment can be maintained without being affected by weather or surrounding electronic devices.

In addition, because fiber optic lines are usually installed directly to each home as dedicated lines, the communication speed is unlikely to drop significantly even when multiple users use it at the same time. This means that speeds are unlikely to drop even during peak times, allowing you to always use the Internet comfortably.

Optical telephone and optical television are available

In addition to internet connection, optical fiber lines can provide a variety of additional services. Optical fiber telephone services are cheaper than traditional landline telephones and offer high quality voice calls.

Optical TV is a service that allows you to enjoy high-quality, multi-channel broadcasts that rival cable TV. The high speed of optical fiber lines really comes into its own when watching high-resolution video such as 4K or 8K.

You may be able to get a discount by signing up for a set of these services, so find out whether there is a plan that suits your needs.

Disadvantages of fiber optic lines

There are two disadvantages to fiber optics that you should keep in mind:

• Cancellation costs are relatively high
• Opening work takes time

Cancellation costs are relatively high

Fiber optic lines are an attractive option for many users because they offer high speed and stable internet connections. However, the cost of canceling a fiber optic line is often higher than other internet connection methods.

In particular, if you cancel during the contract period, it is common for a cancellation fee to be incurred. The cancellation fee is imposed as a penalty for canceling the contract before the end of the period specified in the contract. Since many providers set the contract period at two or three years, this cancellation fee can be a significant burden when considering canceling the contract midway.

Opening work takes time

When installing a new optical fiber line, it is necessary to lay the optical fiber cable into the building. This work can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month from application to actual installation.

In addition, in condominiums and apartments, approval from the building manager may be required, and there may be restrictions on the hours during which construction work can be done. If you want to use the Internet immediately, be sure to plan your application carefully, taking into account the time it will take to get service up and running.

What type of people is a coaxial cable recommended for?

Coaxial cable is suitable for those who want to keep initial costs down. Fiber optic lines require new construction, but coaxial cable can use existing infrastructure, so installation costs can be kept low.

It is especially recommended for those who prioritize ease of installation and cost over communication speed. Even for those who mainly use email and SNS and do not need the ultra-high speed communication of fiber optic lines, coaxial cable may be sufficient as it ensures stable minimum necessary speeds.

Also, for households that already have cable TV contracts, there are plans that offer cheaper rates by bundling internet and TV services together. If you are looking for value for money, it is definitely worth considering.

The type of people for whom fiber optic internet is recommended

Fiber optic lines are suitable for people who need a high-speed and stable Internet environment. In particular, fiber optic lines are recommended for people who frequently use video streaming services, play online games, or exchange large amounts of data while working remotely.

It is also suitable for households where multiple family members use multiple devices at the same time, or for those who want to enjoy 4K and 8K video. Even if the whole family uses the Internet at the same time, the wide bandwidth allows you to use it comfortably without worrying about speed slowdowns.

Those who are anticipating an increase in their internet usage in the future or who place importance on a stable communication environment will be able to enjoy a comfortable internet life by choosing a fiber optic line.

Summary

We have explained the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of coaxial cable and optical fiber lines. The key points to choosing are your purpose of use, the communication speed you need, your budget, and whether the service is available in your area.

When choosing an internet line, we recommend that you consider not only your current usage but also your future needs. Also, be sure to check whether the line is available in your home area before signing a contract, and carefully consider the rate plan and additional services.

If you are unsure, you can consult with each service provider to find the line that is best suited for you. Please use this article as a reference and make careful consideration to ensure a comfortable internet environment.