Fast, reliable internet has become essential for today’s connected world—whether for remote work, video calls, online gaming, or seamless streaming. In Pittsburgh, two major players dominate the market: Verizon Fios and Xfinity (Comcast). The key differentiator between these providers lies in the technology: fiber optic internet from Verizon vs copper coaxial internet from Xfinity.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between fiber optic internet and copper coaxial internet—focusing on speeds, latency, video calling quality, and gaming performance. Let’s find out why fiber optic internet gives you the competitive edge for bandwidth-heavy tasks like video conferencing and online gaming.
The Core Difference: Fiber Optic vs Coaxial Internet
Fiber Optic Internet:
- Transmits data via light signals through glass strands.
- Delivers symmetrical speeds—upload and download speeds are identical.
- Low latency and minimal signal loss over long distances.
Copper Coaxial Internet:
- Transmits data via electrical signals through copper cables.
- Speeds are asymmetrical—download speeds are much faster than upload speeds.
- Higher latency and signal degradation as more users come online.
Internet Speeds: The Fiber Advantage
Verizon Fios (Fiber)
- Offers speeds up to Gigabit connections (940/880 Mbps).
- Upload bandwidth remains consistent, essential for video calls and gaming.
Xfinity (Copper)
- Download speeds can reach 1.2 Gbps, but upload speeds are limited to 35 Mbps for many plans.
Why it matters
- Home Offices: Upload bandwidth determines video calling quality. Fiber ensures HD video streams without freezing or lag.
- Gamers: Low ping and high bandwidth from fiber deliver a smoother multiplayer experience.
Latency: The Hidden Issue with Coaxial Internet
Latency measures the delay in data transmission—critical for real-time activities like video calls and gaming.
- Fiber Optic: Latency as low as 1–5 ms.
- Coaxial Internet: Latency often ranges from 20–50 ms due to signal interference and congestion.
Impact on Real-World Applications
- Video Conferencing: High latency can cause delays, frozen video, and poor audio quality. Fiber eliminates these issues.
- Online Gaming: Even slight latency can mean the difference between winning or losing. Fiber minimizes lag for a competitive edge.
Video Calling and Home Office Work
With remote work on the rise, video calls (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet) are now a daily necessity. Video calling requires significant upload bandwidth for smooth audio and HD video.
| Activity | Upload Bandwidth Required |
|———————–|—————————|
| HD Video Call (Zoom) | 3–4 Mbps |
| 4K Video Call | 15–20 Mbps |
Fiber Optic Benefits
- Consistent upload speeds ensure no freezing or pixelation during calls.
- Supports multiple calls or devices simultaneously without performance drops.
Coaxial Limitations
- Limited upload speeds struggle with multiple video calls, particularly during peak hours.
Gaming: Why Fiber Optic is Superior
For gamers, ping (latency) and stability are critical:
- Fiber’s low ping ensures smooth gameplay, fast response times, and uninterrupted sessions.
- Coaxial internet often experiences packet loss and high ping spikes, ruining competitive matches.
Multiplayer Gaming on Fiber vs Coaxial
- Fiber users enjoy consistently lower ping (1–10 ms).
- Coaxial users may experience ping over 30–100 ms, causing lag and frustration,
Value for Money: Verizon Fios vs Xfinity Plans
| Provider | Speed Options | Starting Price | Technology |
|—————-|————————————–|—————|————-|
| Verizon | 300/300 Mbps to 940/880 Mbps | $49.99/month | Fiber Optic |
| Xfinity | 200 Mbps / 5 Mbps to 1.2 Gbps / 35 Mbps | $45/month | Coaxial |
*Pricing may vary*
While Xfinity may offer slightly lower pricing on the surface, Verizon Fios provides better long-term value due to its superior performance and stability.
Conclusion
If you’re working from home, video calling, or gaming, fiber optic internet is the clear winner. Verizon Fios’s low latency, symmetrical speeds, and reliable connection make it the superior choice over Xfinity’s copper-based coaxial internet.
Ready to optimize your home network for fiber? Red Spark Technology specializes in professional home network installations in Pittsburgh. From connecting your Fios router to upgrading your Ethernet setup, we ensure you get the most out of your internet.
Contact us today to upgrade your home office or gaming setup with a reliable, fast home network installation!
