Fibre broadband, as the name suggests, uses fibre optic cables to deliver internet to properties. These cables are made of glass or plastic and have the ability to transfer information at faster speeds than copper wires that are used in traditional broadband, known as Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL).
In the Isle of Man the fibre network provides a connection right into individual homes and businesses, providing a choice of broadband speeds, including a world-class one gigabits per second. This is known as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or a full fibre connection as opposed to Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) where fibre optic cables are connected as far as the main exchange (cabinet) in the area. Existing copper wires are then used to connect properties to the main exchange.
So, fibre broadband is the service provided to properties. The wireless connectivity between devices and the router within the home is referred to as WiFi. This is an important difference when it comes to troubleshooting speeds and performance. Poor WiFi does not necessarily mean a poor network performance and problems can often lie within the property.
To help understand terms often used by telecommunications operators and the industry we’ve provided a useful glossary of terms opposite.
