Is a Fiber Modem Required to Set Up a Fiber-Optic Network?

Today, many global businesses demand secure, fast, and scalable communications systems for data transmission over a private network, across locations. Fiber optic technology plays a crucial role such as network expansions and high-speed data transfer. Fiber optic networks has been around for a few years now. But unfortunately, many businesses have not been able to utilize it optimally due to costs and other factors. According to research, its growth rate could reach approximately 8.5% over the next few years. Realizing the potential of fiber optics now, many players are gradually making the switch over. However, more awareness needs to be created regarding fiber optics as many people are not aware of its operations and technicalities. This post answers some of these questions such as the requirement of a fiber optic modem in such networks.

Fiber Modems: Basics and Their Functions

A fiber optic modem (abbreviated as FOM) connects an electronic device and an internet network to transmit signals. These fiber data modems are different from digital subscriber line (DSL) modems as they use a fiber optic cable for signal transmission. Owing to the beneficial features, they are being used in applications such as inter-network communication systems, data communications network systems to bridge long distances at high data rates and more.

How Does Fiber Modem Work?

The working of fiber data modem is quite simple. With the following pointers, one will understand it better.

  • The fiber optic modems receive internet signals through fiber optic cables.
  • The modem converts these signals into electronic data.
  • This is a full-duplex transmission, which means the data can be transmitted from the electronic device to the internet source and vice versa.

What Are the Issues with Conventional Modems?

When signing up for a fiber-optic network, it is essential to use a fiber data modem. This is because conventional modems can’t convert the light signals into digital ones transmitted through fiber optic cables. They can only take analog signals and convert them into digital signals. This is the main issue when one trying to use conventional or DSL modems with fiber optic internet service.

How Are Fiber Modems Better Than Conventional Modems?

The following beneficial features make fiber data modems more popular over conventional modems and cable transmissions.

  • A fiber optic modem uses a fiber optic cable for signal transmission. These cables are non-metallic, usually made of glass, and transmit signals in the form of light pulses. So, the conversion of signals is from optical to digital or optical to audio/video. Fiber optic modems are immune to electromagnetic interference. They are not affected by noise, moisture, harsh weather, and so on.
  • They are also immune to data loss. Thus, the user experiences continuous data transmission.
  • Fiber data modems are specially designed for single as well as multimodal transmission.
  • Owing to uninterrupted data transmission, fiber modems have the capacity of carrying huge amounts of data over long distances, at a high speed. They offer good-quality audio and video outputs.
  • Fiber is faster compared to a normal coaxial cable network. Fiber makes use of ultra-thin glass strands that carry light instead of electricity. As light can travel quickly through the fiber optic cable, the speed of transmission is 100x faster than DSL.

All in all, it is a wise choice to opt for a fiber optic modem in case of network expansions over a fiber optic cable which is connected to the existing UTP cable. However, it is important to source all these devices from known and certified manufacturers and suppliers. VERSITRON offer fiber optic modems, fiber optic telephone multiplexers, and media converters can be used in your existing networks and telephone lines to expand their transmission distance, speed, and more.