Present since 2010, Google Fiber and Google WebPass are the high-speed broadband Internet services (Gigabit Internet) that the search giant makes available to its users in certain locations within the United States.
On the one hand, Google Fiber is a fiber optic Internet provider. The service stands out for offering a totally reliable connection with the capacity to reach both upload and download speeds greater than 1 Gbps. In addition, Fiber also provides its subscribers with optional telephone service.
On the other hand, Webpass, whose full name is Google Fiber Webpass, also provides high-speed broadband, but wirelessly. Thus, its operation depends on point-to-point millimeter waves (mmWave), a system very similar to 5G technology. Consequently, instead of using fiber optic cable, Webpass transmits the signal through fixed antennas.
How Google Fiber works
As we mentioned, Fiber is high-speed broadband Internet whose transmission channel is a fiber optic cable. So, when you become a subscriber, Google installs a physical line at your home in order to guarantee maximum speed and reliability of the connection.
Next, the provider provides a Fiber Jack box, which includes Ethernet ports and Wi-Fi streaming to connect the different devices you have in your home.
Now, as we mentioned at the beginning, Google Fiber provides broadband Internet with the same upload and download speed, which, depending on the plan you contract, can be up to 8 Gbps.
In addition, the subscription includes a mesh router with Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, which means that to get the most out of broadband you must have devices compatible with that version of wireless technology. In this sense, whether or not you will achieve the speed promised by the plan you have contracted will always depend on the performance of your devices.
Google Fiber and Webpass: which is faster
The connection speeds of both services vary depending on the area. However, it is possible to state that the plans offered by Google Fiber, both for companies and individuals, range between 1 and 8 Gbps. Likewise, there is a service called Fiber 100 which, as its name indicates, is limited to 100 Mbps and is aimed at humble households whose annual income does not exceed $40,000.
For its part, despite being a mobile Internet service, Webpass also has the capacity to provide a not inconsiderable speed of 1 Gbps. Finally, it is worth noting that both Fiber and Webpass have the same base price ($70 for 1 Gbps). However, rates vary depending on the speed you contract.
Also learn what Google Lighthouse is and how it works.
