When it comes to broadband connections, you may come across the terms fibre and full fibre, and it’s essential to understand the difference between fibre and full fibre to make an informed decision about your internet service. Both types of broadband offer faster speeds and more reliable connections than traditional copper cables, but there are key differences in terms of speed, installation, and availability that can affect your internet experience.
In this guide, we’ll clarify the distinctions between standard fibre and full fibre connections, explain the differences in how they work, and help you choose the best broadband option for your needs.
What is Fibre Broadband?
Fibre broadband refers to a broadband connection that uses fibre optic cables for part of the connection between your home and the internet exchange. Typically, fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) is the most common type of fibre broadband. In FTTC, fibre optic cables run from the exchange to a street cabinet, and copper wires are used to carry the signal from the cabinet to your home.
This configuration provides faster speeds than standard broadband (which relies entirely on copper wires), but the use of copper cables for the final connection can limit the potential speed and performance, especially as the distance between your home and the street cabinet increases.
What is Full Fibre Broadband?
Full fibre broadband, often referred to as fibre to the premises (FTTP), is the next level of broadband service. In this setup, fibre optic cables are used for the entire journey, from the internet exchange all the way to your home. This means that there are no copper wires involved in the connection, allowing for the fastest speeds and the most reliable connections available.
Because the data is transmitted through fibre optic cables, full fibre broadband offers a full fibre connection with much higher broadband speeds and more consistent performance, even during peak hours or when multiple devices are connected.
Key Differences Between Fibre and Full Fibre Connections
1.Speed
The primary difference between fibre and full fibre is the speed. Full fibre broadband provides faster speeds than standard fibre broadband. This is because full fibre broadband uses fibre optic cables for the entire connection, including the final leg to your home, while standard fibre broadband (FTTC) uses copper wires for the last part of the journey.
Full fibre broadband can deliver speeds of up to 1Gbps or higher, making it ideal for high-demand activities like streaming TV shows, online games, and working from home. Whether you’re streaming in 4K, gaming with minimal lag, or transferring large files, full fibre broadband ensures a smooth, high-quality experience.
On the other hand, standard fibre broadband, with copper cables used for the last stretch of the connection, offers download speeds up to 80Mbps on FTTC connections. While this is still significantly faster than standard broadband (which can provide speeds as low as 10-20Mbps), full fibre broadband offers the speed and reliability needed for more demanding tasks.
2.Installation
The installation process is another area where fibre and full fibre broadband differ. Fibre broadband often uses existing telephone lines, with fibre optic cables being installed only to the street cabinet, while copper wires are used to complete the connection to your home.
On the other hand, full fibre broadband requires fibre optic cables to be installed directly to your premises. This may involve some disruption to your property as the cables are laid and connected to your home, but the result is a faster and more reliable connection.
The installation process for full fibre broadband can take longer and may not be available in all areas yet, as fibre optic broadband infrastructure is still being rolled out in many parts of the UK. This is one of the reasons why fibre to the cabinet is more common and widely available.
3.Availability
Availability is another major difference between fibre broadband and full fibre broadband. Fibre broadband (FTTC) is more widely available across the UK, as it uses existing telephone lines and only requires the installation of fibre optic cables up to the street cabinet. This makes it easier and more cost-effective to deploy.
Full fibre broadband (FTTP), on the other hand, is still being rolled out, and its availability depends on the region. While full fibre broadband is rapidly expanding, it is still not available in every area, especially rural or remote locations. However, in areas where full fibre broadband is available, you can enjoy the best possible performance with reliable connections and faster speeds.
To check if full fibre broadband is available in your area, use a postcode checker to see if fibre optic broadband services are available to you.
4.Reliability
When it comes to reliability, full fibre broadband takes the lead. Fibre optic cables used in full fibre broadband are much less prone to interference than copper cables used in fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) connections. The fibre optic cables transmit data using light, meaning that they are not susceptible to interference from electrical signals, weather conditions, or physical wear and tear.
In contrast, copper cables used in FTTC can degrade over time and are more vulnerable to disruptions caused by external factors. This can result in slower speeds and less reliable internet connectivity, especially for users located far from the street cabinet.
With full fibre broadband, you get a reliable internet connection that is much more stable, even during peak usage times when more people in the area are using the internet.
5.Cost and Value
While full fibre broadband offers the best performance, it is typically more expensive than fibre broadband due to the additional installation and infrastructure requirements. However, the speed and reliability offered by full fibre broadband can justify the extra cost, especially for users who need faster speeds for tasks like gaming, streaming, or working from home.
Fibre broadband (FTTC) is a more affordable option for those who don’t need ultra-fast speeds or who are happy with a reliable connection for basic activities like browsing and emailing.
If you are interested in upgrading to fibre broadband, you can explore the broadband services available in your area and choose the broadband package that best fits your needs.
Which Should You Choose: Fibre or Full Fibre?
When deciding between fibre broadband and full fibre broadband, it all comes down to your specific needs:
- Fibre Broadband is ideal if you are looking for a reliable broadband connection for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light streaming. If full fibre broadband isn’t available in your area or if you’re on a budget, fibre broadband is a good choice.
- Full Fibre Broadband is perfect for heavy internet users who require the fastest speeds and most reliable connections. If you’re into streaming TV shows, playing online games, or working from home, full fibre broadband will provide you with the best performance and future-proof your connection.
If you’re ready to upgrade to fibre optic broadband or full fibre broadband, check out Rocket Fibre‘s offerings and use our postcode checker to find out if full fibre broadband is available in your area. We offer a range of broadband packages to suit different needs, ensuring you get the best deal for your home or business.
Conclusion
The difference between fibre and full fibre broadband lies in the technology, speed, and performance. While both offer faster speeds than traditional copper cables, full fibre broadband offers the best performance, with fibre optic cables used for the entire connection. This results in reliable connections and higher broadband speeds, making it the ideal choice for users who demand the best possible internet performance.
If you need a faster internet connection that can handle multiple devices and high-demand activities, full fibre broadband is the way to go. To find out if full fibre broadband is available in your area and discover the best broadband deals, use our postcode checker today.
