5G Home Internet vs Fiber – What’s the Difference?
February 29, 2024 | Tachus Community
What is 5G internet?
5G is a cellular network that delivers internet service by using radio waves sent from cell towers.
5G uses a network of connected stations that send out strong cellular signals. These towers cover a large area to provide service to many people.
Communication companies buy specific frequencies reserved for them through competitive auctions. These frequencies are like dedicated highways allowing companies to expand their network.
5G broadcasts in 3 types of radio frequency bands:
• High band: transmits data the fastest by using short waves that covers smaller, densely populated areas.
• Mid band: compromises between speed and range with waves that move relatively fast while covering a relatively broad area.
• Low band: uses long waves that move slowly but have a great range and are unaffected by obstacles.
Although 5G internet can provide adequate speeds, it is vulnerable to interference from buildings and other structures. The quality and speed of your connection can depend on the number of cell phone towers in your area and your distance from them.
How Fast is 5G home internet?
5G home internet advertises speeds between 25 – 1,000 MBPS. However, the consistency of your connection is likely to fluctuate. In many 5G home internet plans, speeds are not a guarantee and certain factors can affect them.
5G is vulnerable to interference from buildings and other structures. The quality and speed of your connection depend on the number of cell phone towers and your distance from them.
Even if you’re in an area that is close to a 5G tower, it’s possible that your address may not be serviceable.
5G providers often limit the capacity for consistent data delivery. Cellular companies often reduce internet speeds, set data usage limits, and slow down bandwidth to manage high data demand. Unfortunately, this often results in negative experiences for their customers, causing tremendous frustration.
5G Speed vs Fiber
Fiber is faster than 5G and provides a more consistent and reliable performance.
Fiber internet is hardwired, delivering a reliable and fast signal directly to your home. Likewise, fiber is not as susceptible to inference or signal degradation as 5G wireless. Fiber also provides a superior bandwidth capacity, enabling it to carry significantly more information than cellular internet.
5G internet relies on wireless signals transmitted through the air. Signal strength can diminish over distance, and your speed can become weaker depending on your location. Obstruction caused by buildings or poor weather can affect your speed.
The potential speed that fiber is capable of has been found to far surpass the speeds we currently see. So far, it has been proven to be able to achieve a transmission rate of over 100 Terabits, or over 100,000 Gigabits, per second. No wireless system could come close to this.
5G Latency vs Fiber
Latency is the time delay between sending and receiving data.
Many factors impact latency:
- Transmission: The speed of the medium (fiber optic cable or wireless transmission)
- Processing: The time it takes for a device to process data.
- Queueing: The order in which signals send
In optimal conditions, 5G networks can achieve latency of 1 millisecond. However, these results come from controlled environments, and real-world performance can vary dramatically. Local network infrastructure, weather, congestion, signal strength, and even distance from the tower can all influence 5G latency.
Fiber Optic Internet is much more consistent in achieving high speeds with low-latency. On average, fiber internet can consistently achieve latency ranging from 1-5 milliseconds. Since fiber internet is effectively weatherproof, things like inclement weather won’t affect your connection.
Ultimately, fiber optic internet achieves such consistent low-latency thanks to its technology.
5G Ping vs Fiber
Fiber internet provides the significantly lower ping than 5G.
Ping is the round-trip time it takes for an action to reach the server and for server to send a response. Latency is the one-way time it takes for a signal to travel from sender to receiver.
It takes much more time for a 5G signal to be sent, received and responded to that fiber-optics.
Fiber-optic cable sends data using light, resulting in a powerful, fast signal that doesn’t weaken over long distances. Fiber also produces symmetrical speeds, so it can send and receive data simultaneously.
As a result, fiber internet is great for gaming, video calls, and instant communication with incredibly low ping.
Is 5G Home Internet Good for Gaming
The most important factors for online gaming come down to three key factors:
- Speed
- Latency
- Reliability
5G speeds and latency can fluctuate depending on various factors
As mentioned earlier, factors like network infrastructure, weather, and congestion can all impact latency and reliability.
This means that even with 5G, there is still a possibility of experiencing delays and lag during gaming sessions.
On the other hand, fiber optic internet has proven to be a reliable option for gamers. With its consistent high speeds and low-latency ranging from 1-5 milliseconds, fiber internet ensures smooth gameplay. The symmetrical speeds of fiber also allow for seamless data transmission, making it ideal for online multiplayer games.
Is Fiber better than 5G?
When it comes to speed, reliability and low latency, fiber outperforms 5G.
Ultimately, the choice between 5G and fiber optic internet depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you prioritize consistent low-latency and reliable performance, fiber optic internet is the way to go.
However, if fiber isn’t available in your area, 5G can still provide a decent internet experience.
Ultimately, fiber optic internet remains the more dependable choice. For achieving high speeds and enhanced performance, fiber internet is clearly the winner.
Get Tachus Fiber Internet Today
If you’re tired of sluggish speeds and want to unlock the true potential of the internet, it’s time to switch to Tachus.
Tachus is dedicated to offering customers cutting-edge technology and superior service. Say goodbye to slow internet, dropped connections and constant buffering. With Tachus, you can experience best-in-class, low-latency internet that provides consistent speeds at an affordable price.
Why Choose Tachus Fiber Internet:
● Blazing-FastSpeeds: Consistently hit speeds of 1GBPS and beyond with a hardwired optic connection.
● Ultra-Low Latency: Stress-free gaming, free from lag, interruption or stuttering.
● Reliable Connectivity: Enjoy a stable connection that keeps your speeds consistent and free from any slowdowns.
Ready to make the switch? Check your address to see if Tachus is available in your area.
