Optical fiber networks are physical networks made up of optical fiber cables and numerous distribution points. Data is transmitted through optical fiber networks using light signals, rather than electric signals (as is the case with copper phone line networks and coaxial cable networks).
A major advantage of optical fiber is that theoretically there is no limit to their potential capacity. Data transfer capacity is not notably reduced over long distances.
International optical fiber “highways” have existed for many years now. These strategic links allow millions of users to communicate over national and continental borders simultaneously.
Optical fiber networks linking individual end user devices to the Internet have only been developed in Switzerland since the end of the 2000s. The term fiber to the home of FTTH is used in reference to home optical fiber connections.
In order to use an optical fiber connection, your home or workplace will need to have access to an optical fiber network. Many large Swiss cities already have well-developed optical fiber networks. Optical fiber networks have also been built in a number of suburbs and rural areas.
In total, more than 2 million Swiss households and commercial properties can access optical fiber networks. Optical fiber connections are offered by Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt and many smaller telecom service providers like iWay and Init7. The moneyland.ch broadband Internet plan comparison clearly shows which service providers have optical fiber offers.
Note: Connections marketed as alternative optical fiber technology by Swisscom and as fiber optic cable by Sunrise (formerly UPC) are not optical fiber connections. Instead, these connections use a copper phone line or a coaxial cable to link your home or workplace to the local or regional telecom distribution point. When this is the case, you do not benefit from the benefits offered by a full optical fiber network.
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