How does High-Speed Internet over fiber optics work?

Fiber optics are long, thin strands of very pure glass about the diameter of a human hair. They are arranged in bundles called optical cables and deliver laser-generated pulses of light. When the data reaches your home, it’s converted to electrical pulses that transmit data signals. Since light can travel so quickly, you can transmit an enormous amount of data at incredible speeds.

What are the advantages of High-Speed Internet over fiber optics?

Here are just a few:

No more modems. Fiber-optic technology doesn’t require a modem for its Internet service.

Incredibly fast speed allows you to do more in less time.

The always-on connection makes it easy to connect to the Internet. No dialing in. No busy signals. No disconnects.

Alliance High-Speed Internet does not block your phone service. You can use the Internet and telephone at the same time using only one line.

Why is Alliance High-Speed Internet better than other connections?

Many high-speed Internet services are available, but some are better than others. Alliance chose to offer High-Speed Internet over fiber-optic lines for many reasons. Below you can learn how Alliance High-Speed Internet compares to other services.

Alliance High-Speed Internet vs. cable internet

Alliance’s service offers more security than cable Internet access. Cable Internet users share their connection with their neighbors, which causes their speed to drop during peak usage times. Alliance’s service is best because users enjoy their own fast, private connection.

Alliance High-Speed Internet vs. wireless internet

Wireless Internet is MUCH slower than Alliance Internet. Plus, weather can disrupt wireless Internet. Even rain, snow or the trees in your yard can disrupt wireless Internet service. Alliance High-Speed Internet works rain or shine.

Alliance High Speed Internet vs mobile internet

Mobile internet speeds are slower than internet over fiber optics. And your speed will vary dramatically depending on the number of customers using the wireless service. Plus, mobile internet prices are notably higher and there are monthly usage caps. Nearly everything you do online, from sending text-only emails to video chatting, consumes bandwidth. And you don't have to do much before your wireless broadband bill skyrockets. If you stream only five hours of high-definition video from Netflix, for example, you will consume about 10 GB, which would cost you around $80/month. Alliance Internet doesn't restrict customers with data caps.

How secure is a connection over fiber-optic lines?

Because you no longer need a modem, your computer or router will have a public IP address. If you have a router, you should consider changing the login/password to something other than the default.  This will prevent malicious users from logging onto your router. Also be sure to enable firewall services on your router. If your router doesn’t have firewall services, you should consider purchasing a hardware or software firewall solution. If your PC is directly on the network (no router), you should have some sort of software firewall running.

How important is it to have a firewall?

IMPORTANT! All Internet users should have a firewall to stop hackers from gaining access to their systems.

Every computer with a high-speed connection (cable, wireless, DSL or fiber) should have a firewall. Because computers usually are connected for long periods of time, they provide more opportunities for hackers to break into other people's systems.

What system requirements do I need in order to have High-Speed Internet?

Windows PCs:

• Windows XP or higher
• 233 mHz Pentium processor or higher
• 128MB RAM
• Ethernet Network Interface Card. Check with your computer manufacturer to see if a card is installed in your computer. If a card isn't installed, they can tell you how to get one.
• Web browser. Alliance recommends that you use the latest available version of your browser of choice.  Two of the most common browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.

Macintosh PCs:

• MacOS X or higher
• Power PC G3 Processor or higher (PowerMac, Powerbook, iMac, iBook)
• 256MB RAM
• Ethernet Network Interface Card. Check with your computer manufacturer to see if a card is installed in your computer. If a card isn't installed, they can tell you how to get one.
• Web browser. Alliance recommends that you use the latest available version of your browser of choice.

Before an Alliance technician arrives, customers must make sure their computers have the minimum system requirements.

Can I hook up more than one computer to High-Speed Internet service?

One connection can be hooked up to several computers if those computers are on the same network. Also, most customers now use routers so several people can use the Internet simultaneously.

What does installation include?

Ask about our new installation specials. Residential customers can qualify for free installation when when they sign up for a bundle.

Who installs High-Speed Internet?

A technician will install High-Speed Internet on your telephone line and make sure the service works properly by testing it on our laptop computer. You are responsible for connecting the line to your computer. Before an Alliance technician arrives to install High-Speed Internet on your line, your computer must comply with the minimum system requirements mentioned above.

Who do I call for technical support?

Alliance Internet offers FREE technical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Simply call us by dialing 611 from a telephone with Alliance telephone service or call (605) 594-3411.