Fibre Internet Explained. What is Fibre?
Welcome to the world of fibre internet! At FibreGeeks, we’re genuinely passionate about this technology, and with good reason. When your data travels through hair-thin strands of glass at the speed of light, the internet experience transforms completely. This isn’t just marketing talk—it’s the real technology we’re installing across South Africa.
What makes fibre stand out from other internet technologies? Why are more South Africans making the switch to fibre? And most importantly, how could it improve your online experience? Let’s explore the fascinating world of fibre-optic internet with a proper geek’s perspective.
Fibre Internet: Where Light Becomes Information
When we talk about fibre internet at FibreGeeks, we’re talking about data transmission through pulses of light. Yes, actual light! Unlike old-school ADSL that crawls through copper telephone wires or LTE that bounces through the air, fibre sends your Netflix binges, Zoom calls, and epic gaming sessions through ultra-thin strands of glass or plastic at mind-boggling speeds.
The Spec Sheet That Makes Geeks Take Notice:
- Remarkable Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) and beyond—that’s 25x faster than traditional ADSL
- Responsive Gaming Performance: Ultra-low latency means significantly reduced lag during online gaming
- All-Weather Reliability: Your connection remains stable through Johannesburg thunderstorms or Cape coastal weather
- Future-Ready Technology: As bandwidth demands increase, fibre infrastructure easily scales to meet new requirements
The Physics Behind the Technology (Geek Alert!)
Let’s get a bit technical (we are FibreGeeks, after all). Fibre internet works through a principle called total internal reflection—the same physics concept that explains how light travels through optical instruments.
Here’s what happens in the process:
- Encoding Phase: Your online activities are converted into binary data, then transformed into light pulses using laser technology
- Light Speed Travel: These pulses travel through the fibre core, efficiently moving along the glass strand without signal loss, thanks to total internal reflection
- Decoding Phase: At your home, the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) converts these light signals back into electronic data
- Digital Delivery: Your router distributes this high-speed connection to all your devices
****Each fibre strand is thinner than a human hair*** yet can carry more data than hundreds of copper cables combined. This remarkable efficiency is what makes fibre technology so powerful.
The Fibre Ecosystem: From National Networks to Your Home
At FibreGeeks, we’re helping build South Africa’s digital infrastructure—one fibre strand at a time. These high-capacity cables form an intricate network that connects communities across the country.
Fibre Connection Types:
- FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home): Direct fibre connection all the way to your property, providing the best possible performance
- FTTB (Fibre-to-the-Business): Dedicated connectivity that helps South African businesses compete in the digital economy
- FTTC (Fibre-to-the-Cabinet): A hybrid approach where fibre reaches a neighbourhood cabinet, with the final stretch via copper (significantly better than traditional ADSL)
Technology Comparison: Why Fibre Outperforms Other Internet Options
Let’s compare fibre with other internet technologies available in South Africa:
Speed Comparison
- Fibre: Downloads a 4K movie in about 40 seconds at 1 Gbps
- ADSL: Takes 30+ minutes for the same movie at 40 Mbps
- Result: Fibre delivers dramatically faster performance
Reliability Assessment
- Fibre: Maintains consistent performance regardless of local usage patterns or weather conditions
- LTE/5G: Often slows during peak usage times and can be affected by weather disruptions
- Result: Fibre provides more dependable service
Latency Measurement
- Fibre: 5-10ms latency (5-10 thousandths of a second)
- Satellite: 500-700ms latency (noticeable delay in real-time applications)
- Result: Fibre offers substantially better responsiveness
Future-Readiness
- Fibre: The same physical infrastructure can be upgraded to deliver 10 Gbps, 100 Gbps and beyond with equipment changes
- Copper-based: Approaching technological limits with current demands
- Result: Fibre infrastructure provides long-term value and adaptability
Getting Connected: The FibreGeeks Installation Process
Ready to experience better internet? Here’s how we at FibreGeeks connect your home or business:
Step 1: Check Availability
- Use the FibreGeeks coverage map on our website to see if fibre is available in your area
- Not covered yet? Register your interest, as we prioritise expanding to areas with demonstrated demand
Step 2: Select a Package
- 50 Mbps: Suitable for basic internet users (email, browsing, HD streaming)
- 100 Mbps: Great for households with multiple devices and users
- 200+ Mbps: Ideal for tech enthusiasts with smart home devices, 4K streaming, and online gaming
- 1 Gbps: Premium option for households with intensive digital requirements
Step 3: Installation Day
Our FibreGeeks technical team will:
- Install the fibre cable to your property
- Set up the optical network terminal that converts optical signals to electronic data
- Configure your router for optimal performance
- Test the connection to ensure you’re receiving the promised speeds
- Average installation time: 2-4 hours until your connection is ready to use
Common Fibre Myths: The Facts
Myth 1: “Fibre is only for tech companies and affluent households.”
Reality: We have fibre packages at different price points that are competitive to other internet technologies, so high-speed internet is available to more South Africans.
Myth 2: “Installation is disruptive and damages property.”
Reality: Our installation teams use techniques to minimise disruption. Most customers are surprised by how quick and neat the process is.
Myth 3: “Fibre cables are fragile because they’re made of glass.”
Reality: Modern fibre cables are tough, protected by multiple layers and often more durable than copper wiring.
FAQs
“Is fibre available in my area of South Africa?”
We’re expanding our network across the country. Check the coverage map on our website at FibreGeeks.co.za or contact our support team to confirm availability.
“Do I need technical knowledge to use fibre internet?”
Nope. While we love the technical stuff, the user experience is simple. If you can use a smartphone, you can use fibre internet.
“Will fibre improve my online gaming?”
Yes. Fibre’s low latency gives you a big advantage for online gaming, more responsive gameplay and fewer disconnections.
“Do I need special equipment for my computer to handle fibre speeds?”
Most devices work fine with fibre. For optimal performance, a computer with a Gigabit Ethernet port and recent WiFi standards (AC or WiFi 6) is recommended.
“Can I keep my email address if I switch to FibreGeeks?”
Yes. We’ll make the transition smooth, so you can keep your existing email address or help you set up new ones if you prefer.
The FibreGeeks View
At FibreGeeks we believe we’re part of building South Africa’s digital infrastructure. Fibre internet is a step up from other technologies, how we connect, work and communicate online.
When you switch to fibre, you’re upgrading your entire internet experience. Online games run smoother, video calls are better quality, streaming services don’t buffer and connectivity is just more reliable.
Interested in fibre internet options? View our fibre packages and check availability in your area.
