Fiber FAQ
Our goal is to provide Alexandria with low-cost, reliable, high-speed data capabilities so our business customers can successfully compete in today's electronic marketplace.
We are municipally owned therefore we are not for profit. This allows us to offer our service at cost to our customers.
Because we are local, ALP can provide timely service and support. All of our installers, technicians and customer service people are right here in Alexandria.
What are fiber optics?
Fiber-optics lines are strands of optically pure glass as thin as a human hair that carry digital information over long distances. Hundreds or thousands of these fibers are arranged in bundles called optical cables and are used to transmit light signals. The bundles are protected by the cable's outer covering, called a jacket.
How does an optical fiber transmit light?
Suppose you want to shine a flashlight beam down a long, straight tunnel. Just point the beam straight down the tunnel – light travels in straight lines so it is no problem. Now, what if the tunnel has a bend in it? You could then place a mirror at the bend to reflect the light beam around the corner. What if the tunnel is very winding with multiple bends? You then might line the walls with mirrors and angle the beam so that it bounces from side-to-side all along the tunnel. This is the way in which an optical fiber transmits light.
What are the advantages of fiber optics?
Fiber optics are revolutionizing telecommunications. Compared to conventional metal wire (mostly copper), fiber optics are:
- Thinner & Lightweight – Optical fibers can be drawn to smaller diameters than copper wire. Also, an optical cable weighs less than a comparable copper wire cable. Fiber-optics cables take up less space in the ground.
- Higher Carrying Capacity – Because optical fibers are thinner than copper wires, more fibers can be bundled into a given-diameter cable than copper wires. This allows more digital information to go over the same cable at any given time.
- Less Signal Degradation – The loss of signal in optical fiber is less than in copper wire.
- Light Signals – Unlike electrical signals in copper wires, light signals from one fiber do not interfere with those of other fibers in the same cable. This means a clearer and faster data transfer.
- Low Power – Because signals in optical fibers degrade less, lower-power transmitters can be used instead of the high-voltage electrical transmitters needed for copper wires. This saves you and your provider money.
- Digital Signals – Optical fibers are ideally suited for carrying digital information, which is especially useful in computer networks.
- Non-Flammable – Because no electricity is passed through optical fibers, there is no fire hazard.
- Reliability – Fiber is a hard-wire connection and has proven to be highly reliable.
Why would my business need a fiber connection?
If your company needs to exchange data more quickly anywhere in the world, fiber can do it. ALP can save your business money if your company leases communication lines. Our fiber network can provide faster data transfer speeds at better prices. Fiber connections can be installed for exclusive communications between your building sites; or you can use it to connect to ALP Internet Service for high-speed internet access. ALP can also arrange transport to other communication carriers for dedicated circuits to locations outside of Alexandria.
How secure is the connection?
System security is a high priority. ALP uses the latest precautionary measures to ensure you are protected as best as possible. ALP, however, highly recommends a firewall and anti-virus software to protect your system.
What Service Level should we expect?
ALP has staff on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Support personnel can be reached by calling our after-hours/emergency number, (320) 763-6186. Whatever the problem, we are here to solve it, giving Alexandria the best service possible.
How do we get started
To make the best use of a high-speed data transfer system, your business should start with a reliable Local Area Network (LAN). You will also need a good understanding of your network communications to determine the best bandwidth speed that will fit your needs.