Unexpected speed slowdowns can be very annoying. Sometimes, rebooting your router can instantly speed up your internet connection. But since fiber internet is known as the fastest and most reliable internet connection type, many people believe that nothing can go wrong with it. However, this is not true!
At times, it can be subject to interruptions, resulting in throttled speeds and weak signal strength. So, if you are unable to make peace with the fact that even fiber internet can slow down, we will provide you with all the reasons why you may encounter speed issues with the ways to resolve them.
Slow network speeds show up as delayed responses and a lot of time taken to run an app or a website. With a fiber internet connection, you need to be extra careful in protecting your wires from exposure to certain materials, as it can take a toll on the network’s performance.
Besides, these cables are quite fragile; hence, it is always a good idea to be gentle while cleaning your home and avoid tugging or pulling the wires. Even if you are tech-savvy enough to fix internet issues at home, avoid manipulating your wires as this can mess with your home or office network. Since MetroNet offers a great customer support service, you should consider seeking help from it instead of troubleshooting your connection on your own.
We have shortlisted the most common issues associated with fiber-optic internet, which can become a barrier to delivering the speeds you need:
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A disconnection between the cable and the router.
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An issue with the patch panel.
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Weak signal strength because of the excessively long cable wire.
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A defect in splices or extra splices used.
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Faulty connectors were used.
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Lack of transmitting power.
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Micro-cracks in fiber optics.
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Stress corrosion in fibers.
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Pulling and pushing of wires during installation.
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Excessive compression of the fiber-optic cable.
Other reasons associated with the condition and quality of your fiber-optic cable wires are as follows:
Cable Damage
Having too many wires passing through the walls can turn your house into a mess. Even if the most well-trained professional technicians have established the connection at your home, there is no way to hide those wires from taking up your walls. Sometimes, it may require you to drill a hole in the wall to pass the wires to another room. But no matter how messy it looks; it is never a good idea to coil or bend the cable. Moreover, over-looping the wire can cause optical power shortage issues. For instance, if your fiber is bent over 30°, it can affect its refraction, adding to its total power attenuation.
Temperature Fluctuations during Splicing
Fiber-optic cable splicing includes a cold junction process, which results in the attenuation of optical power. In addition, other factors, like the condition of its connectors combined with the expertise of its manufacturers can further increase the attenuation of optical power. So, if you notice an instability in its optical power, you should consider re-plugging it.
On the other hand, the hot fusion process works more efficiently for welding fiber-optic cables. It helps prevent optical attenuation and signal interruption due to material interfaces. All in all, the cold junction process can lead to a few issues with the fiber-optic cable, whereas the hot fusion process is proven as much more stable.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental factors, such as moisture and dust particles can have a huge impact on your fiber internet connection. Hence, you need to stay vigilant about changing weather conditions. For instance, if it is raining outside, your modem’s optical power is likely to decrease by 10dBm.
This may occur when the joint between the fiber and modem gets filled with dirt or debris. Another reason why your fiber optic modem may fail to perform well is due to the accumulation of water vapor that condenses around the joint part of the modem and fiber. Even extreme temperatures can increase the possibility of the formation of cracks in your fiber-optic cable wires.
How to Resolve Your Fiber-Optic Cable Issues?
If you are repeatedly facing speed slowdowns with your current internet provider despite seeking help from professional technicians now and then, then it is better to switch to a reliable internet provider. With MetroNet internet, you don’t need to worry about unexpected internet slowdowns that can disrupt your online activities.
Another way to prevent issues with your fiber internet connection in the future is to avoid using a low-quality fiber-optic wire. In addition, you should refrain from establishing your new internet connection with second-hand parts, including connector, patch cord, and transceiver, as they can affect the performance of your network system. In short, the price you are paying for your fiber internet connection is worth the money, so instead of going for outdated or worn-out equipment to cut the cost, think of it as an investment that will benefit you in the longer run.
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