Fiber connectivity is rolling out in many neighborhoods.
More options are becoming available for higher speeds for your internet connections. Many people are “cutting the cable” and getting rid of TV channels due to the high cost and fixed offerings. Cable companies still have not learned that the customer does always not want a package of channels they don’t watch and still be charged for it. With options like Hulu, YouTubeTV, Sling, Philo and others, you may find you can save lots and still watch interesting entertainment. Other options include buying an antenna and getting local stations “over the air”. Until recently, cable companies provided the fastest service or best bandwidth but now that fiber become more readily available, we have more options. Fiber refers to an optical fiber for data transmission instead of using a coaxial cable.
If you haven’t’ done so recently, check your connection speed with an app like https://www.speedtest.net In just a few seconds you’ll know your download/upload speeds. If you are not satisfied, you might call your provider to see what they offer. Recently our home internet speed was doubled (from 300 to 600 MB/sec) for no extra cost from my cable provider. Cable companies are likely beginning to feel the heat from fiber companies and will be more responsive to keep you as a customer.
If you decide to go with fiber, you can join over 25m households with speeds up to 1GB/sec (1,000 MBps), but you’ll likely need some new equipment to take advantage of the speed. Your fiber provider (AT&T, Verizon, Spectrum, Cox, Frontier to name a few) will bring the connection to your home and connect it an optical network terminal that you rent as part of the monthly fee. Work with your company technician to determine the best and most convenient entry point into your home.
Your router and in-house cables must be up to date to handle the high speed. For cabling, you will need at least a CAT 5e wire which supports the high speeds for up to 100 meters. CAT 6e wires are also available and you might consider using that as it will future proof your work for a few years.
The other part of the connection is a modern router which should include “gigabit” in the name or model description. Ask your provider what they recommend and if they will lease one to you.
For the very fastest speeds use the CAT 5e or 6e Ethernet cables to connect your device directly. Do this for equipment that doesn’t move around a lot, like a desktop computer or game station. You’ll be connecting the cable directly from your device to your new router. The gigabit router will have an ethernet connection, and if one is not enough, then purchase a network switch hub to add more ethernet ports from 4 to 8 or more. Amazon and BestBuy are good sources.
So, your setup could look something like this: fiber-optic terminal > Ethernet cable > router > Ethernet cable > network switch > Ethernet cable > computer/TV/game console.
If you want to connect your laptop via wired Ethernet, you’ll likely need a dongle. I like OWC’s USB-C Travel Dock E ($65), which also gives you additional USB and HDMI ports. Running a bunch of cables doesn’t have to mean tearing up your walls. But it can be a pain, and the cords are unsightly. Cord covers that attach to walls with adhesive can help. Some are even designed to look like baseboard molding. Your router will also provide a WiFi signal so you can freely move around with mobile device such as laptops, phones, and tablets.
Consider placing your router in a central location in your home/office about 3-4 feet off the floor. Try to avoid a closet or closed in space and place away from other electronics or major appliances. If your service area is small, it may not matter so much if you enclose it. For larger areas to be covered or multiple floors, you may need a mesh router which repeats the signals in nodes or satellites giving you more reliable coverage. Netgear’s Orbi and Amazon’s Eero are two of the top rated mesh routers that you can consider if needed. Some routers have external antennas so take time to read the instructions and “aim” the antennas as recommended for the best coverage.
After you set it all up, check your speed again and hopefully smile. If not working as expected, try turning everything off and again.