Dark fiber refers to unused or unlit optical fiber cables that have been installed underground or underwater for telecommunications purposes but are not currently in use. The term “dark” signifies that these fibers are not transmitting data—no light signals are passing through them, hence they are “dark”.
Dark fiber is typically leased by organizations from network service providers or telecommunications companies. Unlike traditional “lit” fiber services, where the provider manages the equipment and services, dark fiber allows the customer to install and manage their own networking equipment at both ends of the fiber. This gives the customer full control over the network’s configuration, security, and bandwidth, as well as the flexibility to scale and upgrade as needed.
Key points about dark fiber
• Control and Flexibility: Organizations can choose their own protocols, equipment, and network architecture, making dark fiber ideal for businesses with high bandwidth needs or strict security requirements.
• Scalability: There is virtually no limit to the bandwidth that can be achieved, as capacity can be upgraded by changing the equipment at the endpoints.
• Security: Since the fiber is dedicated and not shared with others, it offers enhanced privacy and security for sensitive data.
• Cost and Responsibility: While dark fiber can be cost-effective in the long run due to fixed leasing costs and scalability, it requires a significant upfront investment in networking equipment and ongoing maintenance by the customer.
Dark fiber is commonly used by large enterprises, data centers, research institutions, and service providers who require high-speed, reliable, and secure connectivity between multiple locations.