Why Fiber Optic is the Best Choice for Long-Distance Internet Connections
Living in a rural area, staying connected can be a challenge. On my property, we have a home, barn, and shop, all spaced hundreds of feet apart. One of the biggest frustrations I've faced is getting a reliable internet signal between these buildings, especially the shop. Over the years, I tried several wireless solutions, including fancy antennas, but nothing worked as well as I'd hoped.
That all changed when we built a new home and barn last year. The tech team introduced me to a solution I hadn’t considered: fiber optic cables. At first, I thought fiber optic sounded expensive—something you'd only see in big-city projects. But today, fiber optic is affordable and accessible for residential use, even in rural areas.
So why choose fiber optic over traditional copper wires like CAT6? Copper has distance limitations, only working well up to about 320 feet. My barn is 700 feet from my home, well beyond that range. Fiber optic, on the other hand, can run for miles and maintain lightning-fast speeds. Plus, fiber optic cables are non-conductive, meaning they don’t carry the risk of being damaged by lightning strikes, which can be a problem with copper wires.
Installation was simple. I opted for both direct bury fiber optic cable and a 1" PVC conduit for future-proofing. This setup allows me to replace or upgrade the cables later if needed. Now, my entire property has fast, reliable internet—no more weak signals out in the “sticks.”
If you're considering a fiber optic setup, companies like "Fast Cabling" offer free design help, making the process easier. While Amazon does sell fiber optic cables, I found Fast Cabling to be a better option for my project.
About the Author:
David Hanson is a third-generation builder with a lifetime of experience in old-world craftsmanship. Growing up working alongside his father and grandfather, David gained invaluable hands-on experience that has shaped his expertise in custom home construction.
His passion for high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail comes through not only in his builds but also in his writing, where he shares insights and advice from years of experience in the construction industry.