Virgin fibre, unlike most broadband providers, uses a unique hybrid copper/fibre-optic coaxial cabling system to deliver internet services. This is different from traditional providers who typically use phone lines or new Full Fibre installations.
Understanding Virgin's Hybrid System
Here's how Virgin Media's system functions:
- Fibre-optic Backbone: Virgin Media utilizes a vast network of fibre-optic cables as its backbone. This fibre-optic network carries data at high speeds over long distances.
- Coaxial Cable to Homes: Instead of fibre extending directly into your home, the fibre network connects to a node (a distribution point). From this node, a coaxial cable is used to complete the connection to your home.
- Hybrid Approach: This combination of fibre-optic and coaxial cable is why it's called a hybrid system. The fibre provides the high-speed backbone, while the coaxial cable manages the final connection to your premises. This approach has allowed them to use the existing infrastructure, originally built for cable TV, to deliver broadband.
Key Components
Here's a simple breakdown of what this system uses:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Fibre-optic | Main line for long distance transmission, carrying data at high speeds. |
| Coaxial Cable | Connects the fibre network to individual homes. |
| Nodes | Distribution points that link fibre to coaxial lines. |
Differences from Traditional Broadband
- Phone Lines vs. Coaxial Cable: Most broadband providers utilize your existing phone line to get you online, or in the case of new Full Fibre, install a new fibre line. Virgin Media, however, uses the coaxial cable network, which is separate and distinct from a telephone line system.
Advantages of the Hybrid System
- Utilizes Existing Infrastructure: By using the existing coaxial cable infrastructure, Virgin was able to quickly roll out a broadband network without a need to install new lines in every street.
- High Speeds: While not "Full Fibre" in the sense of fibre to the premises (FTTP), the hybrid approach delivers competitive broadband speeds by taking advantage of the high bandwidth capabilities of the fibre optic backbone.
Summary
Virgin fibre works through a combination of fibre-optic and coaxial cable technologies. The fibre-optic cables form the primary network for high-speed data transmission, which is then transferred to the coaxial cables for the last section of the connection to your home. This hybrid method sets Virgin Media apart from providers who rely on traditional phone lines or FTTP networks.
