Business Connectivity is one of those things that we never know we need, until we need it and because there are so many connectivity options available it can be hard to know where to start even if you are only considering replacing your existing infrastructure. Choosing the right connectivity has the ability to improve the effectiveness of your business operation and processes, you can probably imagine that the wrong choice can hinder those elements of your business and you’re right.
Connectivity is an investment that has the power to build better connections with your employees, suppliers and customers, so it’s worth taking the time to understand not only what types of connectivity are out there but what your business needs in order for your connectivity solution to work best.
What should you consider?
Well, what do you need? Not every connection suits every business. If you’re a small business with very few users, you might not need the option of a large bandwidth, on the other hand if you run a busy e-Commerce that relies on large data applications you might need a solution that can not only support your data but can provide a consistent connection during peak times.
Here are some of the key points to take into consideration:
Cost – Some solutions are largely more expensive than others, so what have you got the budget for? You should never worry if you cannot afford the connection you originally planned for, there is also a cost effective solution, we can help with this.
Speed – Most businesses want a fast connection but if your business requires a fast connection, there are options you might want to rule out and others that will seem more attractive.
SLA – Connectivity outages can be costly depending on your business. Do you need an enhanced SLA that will ensure you can get back up and running quickly in the event of a failover?
Leased lines are known for its un-contended Symmetrical bandwidth, security and scalability, making it a popular choice for users.
Overview
Upload Speed: Up to 10 Gbps
Download Speed: Up to 10 Gbps
Usage: Unlimited
Why users choose Leased Lines
Leased Line is the popular choice for businesses, it boats symmetrical bandwidth, consistent speeds and a private connection all and it’s fully scalable. It’s a good option for businesses that require the option for high quality security and cloud storage support, or if their business relies on the ability to steam or conduct video conferencing. Leased lines are also an attractive option because it offers router monitoring, a backup circuit and an enhanced SLA.
How does it work?
After selecting the best internet speed for your business, your ISP (internet service provider)will deliver a fibre circuit to your premises terminating this via a managed network router in to your companies Comms Cabinet. The fibre from your premises then goes back to the local exchange and is handed off to the Metrotech Core network, where it breaks out to the internet from.
Is it right for your business?
Leased lines might not be the right connectivity option for your business but if your business handles sensitive or confidential data or relies on high quality connectivity for daily operation, then leased lines is the best way to get your business connected to a network. Businesses and organisations that experience seasonal fluctuations, rely on centralised sales, CRM, ERP systems, or want to to build on their networks and infrastructure might also choose leased lines for their business.
Businesses that require the bandwidth to support large applications such as VoIPs and hosting solutions often choose EFM as a connectivity solution because of its high capacity connection and impressive upload and download speeds. The cherry on the top for these businesses is the affordability of EFM.
Overview
Upload Speed: Up to 15 Mbps
Download Speed: Up to 15 Mbps
Usage: Unlimited
Why users choose EFM
EFM is known for its consistent, high quality connectivity and because of its un-contended speeds users that need a connection that can support business applications, large bandwidth tasks like streaming and VoIP and hosting solutions, often go with EFM.
How does it work?
EFM requires multiple copper pairs which are installed into your premises to ensure the downstream and upstream speeds are the same. At the exchange, an EFM card is then installed into the multi-service access node. Finally, the line is connected to the internet through our network.
If required, you can also opt for a managed router.
Is it right for your business?
If you need a connection that can support a centralised system, EFM is the best option for you. It’s also a cost-effective solution for businesses that rely on large bandwidths but do not possess the budget for full Ethernet or wish to utilise some of the benefits of Ethernet without making a commitment to full Ethernet.
Fibre To The Cabinet is known for its ability to reach upto 80Mbps downstream which is enticing for businesses looking for an internet connection that will support commercial growth without latency or failover.
Overview
Upload Speed: Up to 80 Mbps
Download Speed: Up to 20 Mbps
Usage: Unlimited
Why users choose FTTC
FTTC is popular amongst users who require a reliable and fast connection in order to sustain business applications, communication and collaboration tools. So you can continue running your business even at peak times.
How does it work?
FTTC requires copper cabling which should be already installed into your premises, if not, a new set will be installed in order to connect you to the network. The local fibre enabled street cabinet will receive all voice and data traffic which is then carried to the change via fibre.
Is it right for your business?
FTTC works best for small to medium businesses or offices that cannot obtain higher bandwidth services due to cost. FTTC is also a great solution for businesses that require a fast and reliable connection.
Take the best bits of FTTC and EFM and you get Ethernet over Fibre To The Cabinet. This is a good solution for businesses that want a cost effective, high quality internet connection that boasts super fast speeds.
Overview
Upload Speed: Up to 80 Mbps
Download Speed: Up to 20 Mbps
Usage: Unlimited
Why users choose EoFTTC
EoFTTC offers a private connection and an increased SLA faults fix time. Because of its symmetrical bandwidth, EoFTTC is perfect for users who require real time communication software and bandwidth eating applications, running SIP or need the capability to transfer a large amount of data files or large data files.
How does it work?
An NTE (network termination equipment) is used to connect your premises to the network. Data traffic is received at a local fibre enabled street cabinet via copper. At the exchange the data traffic is received and taken to the network.
If required, you can also opt for a managed router.
Is it right for your business?
EoFTTC is a viable solution if you need a fast and consistent internet connection or an enhanced SLA.
Fibre To The Premises takes fibre optic connections from the telephone exchange straight to your premises, FTTP can provide a better bandwidth. This is an option that is more future proofed than the rest, unfortunately, it is only available in FTTP enabled areas.
Overview
Upload Speed: Up to 80 Mbps
Download Speed: Up to 20 Mbps
Usage: Unlimited
Why users choose FTTP
Users who are fortunate to work in FTTP enabled areas will be able to attest to its high speed broadband. Because it’s a full fibre solution there is no interference or the chance of copper degradation. It’s an effective solution for users who rely on collaboration software, communication tools or use applications that require faster connections.
How does it work?
A new fibre optic line is required to get you going but once you’ve got that, your premises will be connected to your chosen network. The fibre node receives data traffic via the fibre and voice traffic is carried via the data connection as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
The fibre node collects the fibres from each premises and carries them to the exchange.
Is it right for your business?
FTTP is great for small to medium businesses or offices where higher bandwidth services are unviable. Or if you simply want a faster, reliable internet connection FTTP might be the right solution for your business.
ASDL is your standard gold star broadband service, known for its unbeatable reliability and affordability.
Overview
Upload Speed: Up to 24 Mbps
Download Speed: Up to 1 Mbps
Usage: Unlimited
Why users choose ADSL
ADSL is a great entry level solution for internet connectivity, users often choose ADSL because they require basic internet functionality such as email.
How does it work?
Your premises will be connected to your chosen network, the local exchange will receive voice and data traffic through copper and finally, the line is connected to the internet.
Is it right for your business?
ASDL is a great entry level connectivity solution for small businesses or those who work from home where there aren’t a high number of internet users.
When it comes to connectivity, there might be more than one solution that looks appropriate. Whether you are just starting out or looking to replace your existing connectivity solution we can support you with finding the best connection for your business. Get in touch with us today.
Or find out how we have helped others…
“We are situated on an industrial estate with very limited connectivity options. Other than our existing ADSL we had a choice between an expensive (fibre) leased line solution and EFM with no guarantee of final speeds. Metrotech offered us a cost- effective solution which gave us the speed and reliability we needed backed up by great service levels and no reliance on third party networks.”
Cathy Ashcroft, Wilkinson Star
IT & Communications Manager