WHY FIBER
As Utility Infrastructure
What is Fiber?
Fiber optic cable is the foundational technology for network infrastructure and communications. Instead of sending electrical signals over copper wire or radio waves transmitted through the air, fiber uses small strands of glass to send light signals over great distances. Fiber is not only the fastest way to send data, it's also stronger, more reliable, and harder to hack than cable, DSL, or fixed wireless. Fiber is not subject to interference like copper or wireless, so it won't matter if the weather gets bad or if everyone in the neighborhood is streaming at the same time.
How Fast is Fiber?
FAST. Not just fast - the fastest there is, by far.
DSL max speed: 100 Mbps
Coax (Cable) max speed: 1,200 Mbps
5G Wireless max speed: 2,000 Mbps
Fiber max speed (today): 25,000,000 Mbps
Fiber is the fastest technology there is and will be the fastest for a long, long time. Nothing else comes close.
Is 10G better than fiber?
The 10G network currently offers speeds up to 1,200 mbps. Actual speeds will vary depending on location and the number of subscribers in a given area. The 10G Network is expected to grow, but the areas to which it expands will be determined by financial models and profitability. An Open Access fiber network
What if something better than Fiber comes along in 5 or 10 years?
It's logical to worry that the rapid evolution of technologies will make an investment in fiber obsolete. Fiber is unique because it is so resistant to displacement by another technology. The current capacity of fiber is far beyond demand and we cannot see the horizon for which demand will outpace the capacity of fiber.
The entire world has invested in fiber optics as the new backbone of communications. Businesses and municipalities alike have laid fiber and will continue to lay fiber. The chances of something better replacing fiber in the next 50 years are close to zero.
More Than Just Internet
Public Internet and Private Internet
One of the most powerful subscriber benefits that will come from the City's open fiber infrastructure will be the possible emergence of a New Private Internet running parallel to the existing Public Internet - over the same fiber strand. Private networks exist today and are widely used by municipalities, governments, and large corporations for applications that require enhanced security, privacy or reliability (low latency). The telecom industry refers to these private networks as special circuits.
The limitations of special circuits are that they are complex to configure and very expensive. In our community network private circuits will be easy to configure (on-the-fly) and free of charge, giving all subscribers access to technologies traditionally reserved for the wealthy. This will allow all subscribers an opportunity to participate in the emerging economy of mass automation, the Internet of Things, Smart Cities, and Artificial Intelligence.
Traditional Fiber Network
Single fiber strand with internet from a single service provider (ISP)
Connect Placerville Fiber Network
Single fiber strand with internet and other services running in multiple private networks