ᐅ Experiences with DSL vs. Fiber Optic Internet?

Fiber optic cables are much less susceptible to interference. I can't think of a car example right now. Maybe: copper as the winner of a DTM race, fiber optic as the winner of the Paris Dakar?

Fiber optic internet will become indispensable within a few years. You can either secure a discounted installation price now or pay significantly more later. Copper DSL will be gradually phased out over the coming years; the technology is expensive and energy-intensive, unlike passive fiber networks. This shift may not happen in just 5 years, but more likely in 10 to 15 years. Therefore, the mindset should not focus on what is needed "right now," but rather take a more future-oriented approach. The shutdown of ISDN networks was not that long ago, and a similar phase-out will happen medium to long term for copper wires that have been pushed to their limits since the industrial revolution.

Araknis schrieb:

Fiber optic will definitely be the only option in a few years.

No. Absolutely not. One important reason is that even in the medium term, only a small share of Germany will be served with it.
Fiber optic usage: currently about 11% of broadband connections
Lack of acceptance: about 75% of available connections don’t use fiber optic at all
Lack of necessity: available copper connections can provide sufficient speed (for residential use)

especially since all areas would first need to be equipped with fiber optic cables. This might now be standard practice in new housing developments. However, in densely built urban areas where everything is well served by copper and cable networks and the demand for bandwidth cannot grow due to limited space, I do not see this becoming widespread within the next 10 years.

HilfeHilfe schrieb:

Just to clarify for me as a beginner: Fiber optic is like a Ferrari and usually much faster than DSL.
Is that correct?

No, but first ...

mayglow schrieb:

Just to be sure: by “the socket and DSL wiring” do you really mean the socket where your DSL router is plugged in, and not a LAN socket where you plug in a PC (where the cable then leads to your router or a switch)?

... because this is an essential point for avoiding misunderstandings about whether you mean the socket for the end device or the house entry point of the connection in your way of thinking.

So, once again, very slowly for beginners:
DSL and fiber optic are not alternatives to each other; that is, there is no “OR” between fiber optic and DSL, because you can get DSL over fiber or over copper cables.
The real distinction is not “DSL vs. fiber optic” but rather “DSL over fiber optic vs. DSL over copper cable.”
You are the “subscriber” because you have rented your connection with a continuous contract. The connection is provided via a line on which services are transmitted digitally, together called “Digital Subscriber Line,” or DSL for short.
The difference between copper and fiber optic is that copper transmits signals via electrical current, while—as the name fiber optic suggests—the “wires” are made of glass. Glass doesn’t conduct electricity, but it transmits light very well. The speed of light is very fast. That’s why a fiber optic connection can offer you higher transmission speeds than a metal-wire connection.
Of course, a signal transmitted using flashing light requires different modem technology than one transmitted using electrical impulses.
However, you need to distinguish between several levels: the transmission technology used between your provider and your basement can be different from that used between your basement and your apartment. Between them, there is always some equipment with switching and translation functions, finally your IAD (Internet Access Device, commonly called a “router”), usually called some kind of “box” (e.g., Fritz / Easy / T-Entertain or similar). On the last segment (LAN to the PC via copper cable, Wi-Fi to a tablet via radio waves), nothing changes when you switch the maximum connection speed between the provider and your basement—this switch may mean changing from copper-based signaling to light-based signaling, comparable to changing from a bicycle to a Ferrari.
Simply because wireless light like from a ceiling lamp bulb wouldn’t work to bring the Internet to your tablet, inside the home you will mostly rely on radio waves (or copper for desktops).

[This explanation was provided by my colleague telthies.]

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Tolentino schrieb:

Especially since all areas would first need to be equipped with fiber optic cables. This might now be standard in new residential developments. However, in densely built urban areas where everything is well served by copper and cable networks and bandwidth demand cannot really increase due to limited space, I don’t see fiber rolling out comprehensively within the next 10 years.

For all of Germany, yes. But I can imagine that in the future DSL lines will be gradually discontinued regionally once the provider has already connected the same area with fiber optic. It basically means double costs for hardware and maintenance for the providers.
That’s exactly what happened at my workplace recently. We finally got fiber optic installed and activated three months ago. By coincidence, the provider’s DSLAM failed just last week. It probably won’t be repaired because all buildings in that area are now connected via fiber optic.