What Is Dark Fiber?

A couple of decades ago, the network infrastructure was only supposed to work and perform its functions, but today, along with the development of digital technologies, it must meet a whole list of requirements to fit modern realities. These are quality, high speed of operations, and scaling. In addition, security requirements are becoming stricter due to changes in cyberspace. There is also more information every year, which is why modern companies are choosing more and more flexible solutions with the ability to adapt to changing conditions.

Dark fiber has become just such a solution that fits all criteria at the same time. Its main feature is that it remains «in the shadows», but also performs an important function in the telecommunications system.

Let’s see what a dark fiber network is, how such a system works, and why it is increasingly being selected. This will help you understand exactly which system you need to make all processes comfortable, and most importantly, safe and tailored to specific tasks.

What Does Dark Fiber Mean? 

This is a fiber-optic line, the principle of which is that there is no application. Active devices are not illuminated even during operation. Companies usually buy such lines, adapting them to their requirements. In addition, they can be rented for those who do not plan to use them all the time, and therefore, spend a lot of money. Companies can make the most of everything with a high level of performance, since the network infrastructure is fully managed by the company itself, which means that all specific tasks are performed after a certain configuration.

What are the Benefits of Dark Fiber? 

Speaking of such a system, it is worth noting that it is often used for a reason, as it offers a large number of advantages. Among such advantages to understand what does dark fiber mean can be noted:

• Scalability. Since a good business does not stand still, flexible conditions for increasing are mandatory. And most importantly, in such a system, you do not need to add new cables to upgrade your devices. 
• Low latency. Since the data transmission route is 100% controlled, the risks of delays are virtually eliminated. If the applications are functioning in real time, then such conditions are mandatory. For example, it is relevant for video conferencing, financial spectrum operations, or streaming services. 
• Safety. Other clients cannot access the network, and therefore isolation eliminates the risk of hacking or system disruption. Unauthorized access is excluded, and data is almost impossible to intercept. 

• Reliability. The entire structure works reliably, without errors or delays, as there is no need to involve third-party providers in the work. The operation is stable. 
• Cost-effectiveness. At first, of course, you will have to spend money, but then everything is much more economical. If the company has large traffic volumes, then dark fiber is very convenient. 

How Does Dark Fibre Work? 

The principle of operation is quite simple. To put it simply, in general, this fiber-optic cable is not used. Devices for data transfer do not need to be connected, which greatly simplifies all processes. Any company can have its own private system, and all you need to do is buy channels that have already been created, or, even easier, rent it. Security, speed, and routing capability are all things that are fully managed. In addition, administrators can fully control the type of data that will be transmitted.

Although you need to prepare for the start of the entire system. If you plan to use dark fiber, you should install devices, switches, and transceivers. As a rule, companies can use special data centers or just server rooms.

As a result, if everything is installed and connected correctly, the company gets its own network infrastructure, which is completely secure, scalable, and most importantly, independent from other resources. And the business makes the system so that it takes into account the needs of the business.

Dark Fiber vs Lit Fiber

Dark fiber is not the only possible system, as there is also lit fiber. It is worth understanding what a particular company requires for specific tasks. What are their differences? So, let’s take it point by point. 

• Control system. The control of the dark model remains completely with the client himself without outside interference, but for lit fiber, you require a provider to carry out maintenance.
• Safety. Since the dark version is more isolated, the degree of security is much higher.
• Flexibility. The system itself is completely individual, so the requirements for network operation, bandwidth level, and routes are strictly set by the users themselves.
• Devices. If the provider provides that lit fiber will include a full package of services, but for the dark one, the client needs to provide everything himself, that is, install and configure the equipment. 
• Price. Although the dark version is more expensive initially, it is beneficial in the future, especially for large companies. 

Comparing all the indicators in dark fiber vs lit fiber, it is worth pointing out that if you want the system to be controlled only by you, and security is at the highest level, then you should look at the dark fiber. But if you need to do everything for you without unnecessary initial investments, and then perform control, then the light model will still be an easier option.

Considering what dark fiber and lit fiber are, dark fiber shows high efficiency, so this option is being chosen more and more by those who need both safety, flexibility, and 100% control over all aspects. If everything is done correctly at the first stage, then the productivity and speed of work are beyond doubt.