In an era where the average American spends nearly 2,555 hours online every year, connectivity to our digital landscape is crucial. Yet the infrastructure that supports it remains an often-overlooked component of our digital world. Enter dark fiber – a term that sounds mysterious, but has incredible potential to shape the future of network connectivity.
Understanding Dark Fiber
At its core, dark fiber refers to unused optical fiber infrastructure that has been laid underground or installed as a part of a network, but it isn’t actively being used.
The term was coined when the potential network capacity of telecom infrastructure was discussed, but it also refers to the increasingly common practice of leasing fiber optic cables from a network service provider.
This fiber is a physical infrastructure, not an intangible service. Unlike other telecom services, when a customer leases it, it is leasing the infrastructure on which its service is delivered. The customer is responsible for all the equipment and applications required to deliver service between locations. The fiber itself provides no service to the customer but allows the customer to build a network with its equipment and offer services at any speed based on the equipment deployed.
The Benefits
Dark fiber has many benefits, including:
- Cost savings over lit services
- Dedicated and virtually unlimited bandwidth
- A high degree of security for compliance and regulatory industries
- Flexibility and scalability for evolving needs
- Complete control for in-house IT staff
- The ability to design to lowest possible latency routes in the area
- Affordable, flat monthly rates for long-term IRU options
As our digital landscape continues to evolve, the role of dark fiber in shaping the future of connectivity is key. It has the potential to cater to the increasing demand for high-speed, and enables seamless communication, data transfer, and technological advancements across various industries.
Learn more and unlock exclusive case studies by downloading our complimentary guide, Dark Fiber 101, here.
In the guide, you will learn:
- Types of fiber optic cable
- Types of providers
- Construction project vs. simple install
- Monetary impact of fiber lease vs. IRU
- And more!
