Fiber Optics: The benefits of modern internet connectivity

As digitalization continues to progress, more and more aspects of our everyday lives take place online. This increases the demand for available bandwidth, which traditional DSL connections using copper lines can no longer meet. Fiber-optic connections have long been established as a powerful alternative, but they are still not available everywhere.

This guide highlights the key aspects of fiber-optic internet.

What is fiber-optic internet?

Fiber-optic connections enable almost lossless data transmission at extremely high speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps. However, unlike DSL connections, they require a different infrastructure. Fiber-optic cables are made from thin optical fibers. Switching from copper to fiber therefore requires nationwide modernization of the network — but also adjustments within the home.

To access fiber internet, a fiber cable must first be laid to the residential area. Depending on the local expansion, the line ends at a connection socket outside or inside the building. This socket serves as the interface to the fiber line installed by the network operator.

The connection between the socket and the home network is managed by an DMARC (demarcation point). This acts as the handover point where the signal enters the building. Then, an Optical Network Termination (ONT) takes over communication and converts light signals into electrical signals. Commonly referred to as a fiber modem, it passes data to the router, which connects all devices via cable or Wi-Fi.

How do fiber and DSL differ?

Fiber and DSL are two different technologies used for long-distance communication.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses copper wires originally designed for telephone services. Over the years, the technology has improved — well-known versions include ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and VDSL (Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line). Theoretically, DSL speeds can reach up to 300 Mbps, but performance decreases as the distance to the nearest exchange increases.

Fiber, on the other hand, transmits light through fine glass strands. This enables nearly lossless data transfer even over long distances, with speeds reaching into the 10 Gbps range.

However, not all fiber connections are the same — performance varies depending on local expansion stages:

FTTC (Fibre to the Curb): Fiber ends at the street cabinet. The final stretch to the house uses traditional phone lines, reducing speed.
FTTB (Fiber to the Building): Fiber reaches the building but may switch to copper or network cables inside.
FTTH (Fibre to the Home): Fiber reaches directly into the residence, providing the fastest transfer rates.

Availability and cost of fiber connections

Copper-to-fiber migration is progressing but far from complete, meaning fiber is still not available everywhere. Interested users must first check local coverage.

Since many providers are involved in expansion, costs and availability vary significantly. Fiber installation is generally not free — prices differ depending on provider, location and potential promotions, especially in new development areas. Monthly fees are usually higher than DSL, but so is connection speed.

Who needs fiber internet?

This depends on personal requirements. For everyday use, DSL is often sufficient — even for high-resolution video streaming. Fiber becomes worthwhile when multiple devices need simultaneous high-speed access or when frequent large uploads/downloads occur.

Fiber shines especially in applications that demand high bandwidth or low latency:

High speed: Up- and download speeds up to 10 Gbps.
Future-proof: Bandwidth demands will continue to grow.
Low latency: Important for real-time tasks like gaming or video conferencing.

Getting the most out of your fiber connection with devolo

Even with a fiber contract, users do not automatically surf at gigabit speeds. As shown earlier, the last meters of transmission are crucial — and often the weakest link in many households.

Example: A house may have ultra-fast fiber in the basement, but a single router is expected to supply devices across several floors. After the first ceiling, much speed is lost.

devolo solutions ensure that fiber speed reaches devices efficiently. The devolo Giga Bridge* reliably connects the fiber endpoint and the router across multiple floors.

*Unfortunately, the devolo Giga Bridge is no longer available in our online shop.

Powerline adapters and Wi-Fi repeaters from devolo then extend the signal throughout the home — so every device can benefit from fiber internet, whether via cable or wireless.