5 Key Advantages of PON Internet, a.k.a. Shared Fiber

18 Aug.,2025

 

5 Key Advantages of PON Internet, a.k.a. Shared Fiber

Curious about the advantages of shared fiber or PON technology? 

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You should be, if you’re a business in rural United States. Shared fiber – or PON or Passive Optical Network – may be your best and most affordable chance for getting the fastest and most reliable connection to the internet.

Until recently, fiber internet has been out of reach for many businesses, particularly in small towns, due to the high construction and equipment costs of building new fiber optic cables in a community.  

“It really is an exciting technology,” says Peter Hicks, director of Product Development for CableONE Business Services. “It combines the most favorable attributes from both coax and fiber, and just brings to the user so many advantages, along with the new opportunities that come to businesses and communities with access to high-speed internet.”

For example, like coax cable, shared fiber provides affordable access and can be purchased at specific speeds that fit your business. It also allows you to easily upgrade to more speed/bandwidth whenever needed. And it can be accommodate all your needs, including data, voice and video. And, as we’ve come to know of fiber, it’s as fast as the speed of light and ultra-reliable.

Shared fiber internet offers small business owners many benefits when it comes to cost, quality, reliability and scalability. Check out these five distinct advantages:

Lower Cost to You

Because PON technology uses a single-optical fiber to support multiple users, it costs less in infrastructure and material costs when compared to the costs of a dedicated fiber line for your business. 

With its fiber-based architecture and shared bandwidth over a broader customer base, PON internet can be provided at a fraction of the cost of dedicated fiber-optic service. That opens up new opportunities for businesses and rural areas to have access to high-speed fiber internet.

Highest Available Speeds

Shared fiber technology transmits data at the fastest speeds available, supporting a gigabyte or more. Plus it’s symmetrical, meaning you get the same speed whether data’s traveling upstream or downstream. (Symmetric speeds are especially important for businesses that make heavy demands on downloads and uploads simultaneously.) 

While shared fiber supports up to 2 Gbps of internet speed, you may not need it that fast. With shared fiber, you can choose the speed that’s right for your business. You can buy as little as 50 Mbps or 100 Mbps – still symmetrical – and scale up later to customize to your needs.

Shared fiber is the most expandable and scalable connection, says Dan Conrad, general manager of the CableONE Business shared fiber unit. Its “scalability” is a fantastic advantage for both users and providers. 

One reason that’s even possible is the availability of unused fiber strands that are run in the initial infrastructure build. Should more capacity be needed, there’s room for expansion or “scalability” without having to lay new fiber. 

“That means it’s faster and easier to change to higher speed,” Conrad says. “In most cases this can be done within hours if not minutes.”

Reliable & Adaptable

The superb reliability factor of shared fiber is a significant advantage for businesses. As you know, downtime on your connection can bring communications and productivity to a complete stop, and that can have a real effect on your business.

One reason it’s more reliable can be found in the fiber itself.  Bandwidth is distributed to fiber internet users similar to current cable modem technology but, instead of using copper coaxial cable, data travels across fiber-optic cable, which is smaller, lighter, more flexible, and easier to route through ceilings or plenum returns.

Because it doesn’t use electricity to transmit data like cable and DSL technology, Conrad says, fiber is also impervious to electro-magnetic interference.

“It’s not affected by electrical lines that can cause static on copper cables,” he adds. “This also makes it more secure as it can’t be compromised as can electrical signals.”

PON offers higher speeds at a lower cost per megabit than copper-based services, and performs better than copper.

More Than Internet

Shared fiber can support multiple services on one line. For example, in addition to delivering the internet to your business, it can handle voice ( service) and video data. 

So basically, you’ll also be able to get your and video service through shared fiber but with higher quality and more reliability.

Flexibility: Potential To Grow

PON’s point-to-multipoint structure scales 32 times faster than the dedicated fiber-optic network. That’s especially important if you’re a growing business or already have an expansion plan that you know will change your bandwidth needs later on. 

“Shared fiber can be expanded easily, and cost effectively,” says Conrad, “to better fit with your evolving needs or a growing population.”

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What is Custom Cable Assembly and Why Your Business Needs It

Custom cable assembly is a critical component in ensuring the smooth operation of complex systems across various industries. Unlike standard cables, custom cable assemblies are tailored to meet specific requirements, offering greater flexibility, improved performance, and enhanced durability. Whether for industrial automation, healthcare, or telecommunications, these custom solutions are designed to address the unique needs of your business. In this article, we’ll explore what custom cable assemblies are, the process behind their creation, and why they are essential for optimizing your operations.

What is Custom Cable Assembly?

A custom cable assembly refers to a tailored solution where cables are designed and manufactured to meet specific requirements and application needs. Standard cables come pre-made in fixed lengths, configurations, and specifications. However, custom cable assemblies are engineered to the exact standards required by the customer. This ensures optimal performance in unique settings.

A custom cable assembly can include various components, such as:

  • Custom connectors
  • Different types of shielding
  • Specific wire gauges
  • Unique cable jacket materials
  • Special insulation for harsh environments

These elements are combined to create a product that addresses the challenges of specific applications, from industrial machinery to medical devices, aerospace systems, and beyond.

Why Standard Cables Aren’t Always Enough

While standard cables are useful for many basic applications, they often fall short in more specialized environments. Businesses that operate in industries such as telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace frequently encounter specific needs that off-the-shelf solutions can’t meet.

Some limitations of standard cables include:

  • Fixed Lengths: Pre-manufactured cables often come in set lengths that may not fit perfectly into a specific application. This can result in excess cabling that causes clutter or cables that are too short, requiring extensions.
  • Limited Configurations: Standard cables come with predefined connectors, wire types, and shielding options that may not be suitable for complex or high-performance environments.
  • Suboptimal Durability: Standard cables may not have the necessary protection against harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, chemicals, or moisture.

In such cases, custom cable assemblies offer a much more efficient and reliable solution.

Benefits of Custom Cable Assembly

Custom cable assemblies provide several advantages that can help businesses improve their operational efficiency and performance. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Tailored to Specific Needs

Custom cable assemblies are built to meet the exact specifications required for your application. Whether your business operates in an industrial setting with harsh environmental conditions or requires precise performance for medical devices, custom cables are designed to deliver optimal functionality. For example, cables can be shielded to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) or constructed with materials that can withstand extreme temperatures, ensuring your systems work without interruption.

2. Improved Efficiency and Performance

Because custom cables are designed specifically for their intended use, they fit perfectly into your systems and infrastructure, eliminating the need for unnecessary adjustments or compromises. This precision allows for more efficient power or signal transmission, leading to better performance and less downtime caused by connectivity issues. Custom assemblies also help streamline operations, as businesses won’t need to rely on makeshift solutions to make standard cables work.

3. Enhanced Durability and Reliability

Custom cables are often made with high-quality materials tailored to the conditions they will be exposed to. For example, a custom cable assembly used in outdoor applications can be manufactured with weather-resistant materials. Therefore, ensuring it stands up to moisture, UV rays, and fluctuating temperatures. This durability helps reduce the frequency of cable replacements, saving businesses time and money in the long run.

4. Space Optimization

Custom cable assemblies can help reduce clutter by eliminating excess cabling. When cables are designed to the exact length needed for your application, it results in a cleaner, more organized workspace or machine setup. This is especially important in industries where space is limited, such as aerospace or automotive manufacturing, where compact and efficient design is critical.

5. Cost Savings in the Long Run

While custom cable assemblies may initially seem more expensive than standard options, the long-term savings are significant. Their durability, reliability, and efficiency lead to fewer breakdowns, replacements, and maintenance costs. Additionally, a custom solution that fits your exact needs reduces wasted materials, energy, and time spent on troubleshooting and adapting standard cables to fit your requirements.

6. Scalability and Flexibility

Custom cable assemblies are highly adaptable and can be designed to accommodate future expansion. Whether you need to integrate new technologies, connect more devices, or upgrade your systems, custom cables can be scaled to support your evolving needs without compromising performance.

Key Industries That Benefit from Custom Cable Assembly

Several industries can greatly benefit from investing in custom cable assemblies due to their need for highly specific, reliable, and durable connectivity solutions. Some of these industries include:

Medical Devices

In the healthcare industry, precision is paramount. Medical devices often require custom cable assemblies that can handle intricate signals while being safe, sterile, and durable. Cables designed for MRI machines, surgical robots, or patient monitoring systems need to be shielded from electromagnetic interference and crafted from materials that can endure sterilization processes.

Aerospace

The aerospace sector demands the highest standards of performance and reliability, often in extreme conditions. Custom cable assemblies ensure that avionics, navigation systems, and communication devices function optimally in high-vibration, high-altitude, and temperature-sensitive environments.

Telecommunications

Reliable, high-speed data transmission is essential in the telecommunications industry. Custom cable assemblies can be designed to handle higher bandwidths. They offer greater signal clarity, and function in various environmental conditions to ensure uninterrupted communication.

Manufacturing

In industrial settings, machinery often requires durable and reliable cabling to ensure seamless operations. Custom cable assemblies in manufacturing can be designed to resist chemicals, withstand heavy wear and tear, and perform in extreme temperatures or high-moisture environments.

Why Your Business Needs Custom Cable Assembly

If your business operates in a specialized industry that requires precise, reliable, and durable connectivity, then custom cable assemblies are the best solution. By opting for custom cables tailored to your unique needs, you can improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure the longevity of your equipment and systems.

Custom cable assemblies offer the flexibility to design a product that perfectly matches your application. It provides benefits such as improved performance, enhanced durability, and space-saving design. Whether you need cables that can withstand harsh conditions, eliminate interference, or fit within a compact system, custom cable assemblies provide the perfect solution.

Conclusion

Investing in custom cable assembly is a smart choice for businesses that require specialized connectivity solutions. From enhancing performance and durability to offering tailored designs, custom cables provide long-term benefits. This can significantly impact your business’s efficiency and bottom line. Whether you’re in the medical, aerospace, telecommunications, or manufacturing sector, custom cable assemblies are essential for meeting the demands of your industry and ensuring smooth operations. Partnering with a reliable manufacturer like OurPCB ensures that your custom cable assemblies are crafted to the highest standards. This will give your business the edge it needs to succeed.

Want more information on Special Cables? Feel free to contact us.