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, we can provide timely service and support. All of our installers, technicians and customer service people are right here in Alexandria.
What are fiber optics?
How does an optical fiber transmit light?
What are the advantages of fiber optics?
How much does this service cost?
Why’s Office Complex Fiber so much cheaper?
Why would my company need a fiber connection?
How secure is the connection?
How do we get started?
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 mirros 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?
You may be wondering why fiber-optics are revolutionizing telecommunications. Well, compared to conventional metal wire (copper wire), optical fibers 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.
How much does this service cost?
- Fiber to the Internet
7 MB - $600 / Month
5 MB - $500 / Month
3 MB - $400 / Month
1.1 MB - $300 / Month
550 KB - $200 / Month
- Office Complex Fiber to the Internet
7 MB - $139.95 / Month
5 MB - $109.95 / Month
3 MB - $79.95 / Month
1.1 MB - $59.95 / Month
550 KB - $39.95 / Month
- Point to Point Fiber
100 MB - $400 / Month
Dark Fiber - $300 / Month
If you would need to change your connection speed the staff at ALP can change your speed promptly.
Why’s Office Complex Fiber so much cheaper?
We have deployed fiber in several office complexes in Alexandria. By doing this, several business within a given complex are able to divide the cost of the fiber connection.
Why would my company need a fiber connection?
If your company needs to exchange data more quickly anywhere in the world, fiber can do it. If your company leases communication lines, our fiber network can save you money while providing faster data transfer speeds. Fiber connections can be installed for exclusive communications between your building sites; or you can use it to connect the Internet for high-speed Internet access; or we can arrange transport to other communication carriers for dedicated circuits.
How secure is the connection?
System security is a high priority in our system. ALP uses Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for our fiber customers. This means that connections through our router cannot “talk” to each other within the router unless specifically allowed by our system administrator. ALP, however, highly recommends a firewall to protect your system.
How do we get started?
To make the best use of a high-speed data transfer system, your company should start with a reliable Local Area Network (LAN). You will also need to inventory your communication needs to determine how fast you want to go. ALP will sell you the amount of bandwidth your company needs.
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