Fibre optics is increasingly becoming an important asset for businesses to provide real-time services, reduce internal communication costs and move large data files.

The size of the bandwidth of these fibre- optics systems can also be increased without having to build more infrastructure as demands on the business change. Fibre-optics systems can, thus, support business functions over the long term, says service provider and networking company XDSL marketing director Johan Olivier.

“Industries are changing with the availability of larger, faster connections and the additional service opportunities and operational functionality that this brings.

“For example, if hospitals or medical companies can move large files, such as X-rays, across their network, doctors can use software to process these images, such as inverting the X-ray image, to expose additional diagnostic details. This, also, reduces the need for doctors or specialists to be present physically, improving the speed of diagnoses and availability of diagnostic services.”

Fibre optics is also being used to move large volumes of data to support logistics and security operations, as well as to unify the telecommunications of geographically far-flung offices and enable businesses to control internal communications costs.

Further, fibre optics is reshaping other industries, such as enabling sports stadia to broadcast events, engage with sport fans and enhance their role in sporting events, enabling them to gain new revenue streams.

“The functionality provided by a predictable, reliable high-volume connection enables companies to control the cost of communications and data transmission, as well as ensure consistent quality. The capabilities of a fibre-optics network open further opportunities for enhanced and new services to customers and employees.”

Olivier notes that businesses are using fibre- optics systems to dramatically reduce the costs for their internal communications, while also improving the quality of voice and data transmission across the company. XDSL typically routes voice data through a separate fibre-optics connection to ensure quality and consistency.

However, companies must appreciate the difference between fibre optics upload and download speeds, compared with asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) connections. The speeds of ADSL connections change during the course of the day as demand on the network changes, while fibre-optics systems have consistent upload and download speeds.

Meanwhile, Olivier emphasises that fibre- optics users must enhance security protocols, as faster connectivity enables more cybercrime attacks against a company’s network.

“As speeds and bandwidth of networks increase, this provides more room for hackers to attack the company. Best practice security requires that security administrators go through security logs each and every day to identify potential suspected attacks or suspicious behaviour, such as an external database query or a scan for open ports.”

Besides flagging potential attacks or security probes, administrators should ensure that any unsecured gateways are secured or closed and that any open ports are closed.

“Good, proactive security management remains the most effective way to limit cyber-threats, as well as ensure good operation of the network.”

Olivier notes that fibre optics to businesses is set for rapid growth over the next two years, and will approach saturation by 2016.

“While fibre to the home is still nascent, fibre to business is a highly competitive sector and is expected to become ubiquitous by 2016,” he concludes.