Last week, we discussed how to “Find the Right Internet Service Provider for Your Business”. This week, the focus will be on the different types of technology Internet Service Providers (ISP) use to deliver your connection. Depending on how you use your internet service, the type of technology you should be utilizing varies. The four most common types of internet technology used by businesses are DSL, or ADSL, Fibre, Cable, and Fixed Wireless. Below is a description of each type of connection as well as some considerations that should be taken into account:
1. DSL or ADSL: DSL (digital subscriber line) uses existing phone lines in conjunction with specialized hardware. It is the most readily available type of broadband service, and is often affordable due to the high subscription rates. However, the speed of your DSL or ADSL connection decreases as the distance between the user and the provider increases. ADSL (asymmetrical digital subscriber line) is the most common type of DSL in use. ADSL users are subjected to slower upload speeds, since the service asymmetrical. Additionally, as with any wire line service, there is always a risk that the wire may be compromised or severed.
2. Cable: This service is typically used by residential customers. The technology uses standard television cables, providing an internet connection while permitting concurrent television viewing and even digital phone use. However, cable connections share bandwidth among multiple users, so speeds can become very slow during peak periods. Sharing your internet connection with multiple residential customers can significantly impact your company’s productivity when peak usage periods occur.
3. Fibre: The use of fibre by businesses is growing in popularity. Many telecommunication companies have been using fibre-optic lines in their backbone infrastructure for quite a while, but in the past few years they have extended their fibre connections closer to end-users. Fibre is able to offer users extremely high bandwidth and can be easily adjusted to any bandwidth changes. For example, if you’re company found that it needed more bandwidth to operate more efficiently, a fibre connection can be adjusted to accommodate the requirements. However, the installation costs are still quite high and special test equipment is often required. Additionally, as with the previous wire line services discussed, there is always a risk that the fibre line may be compromised or severed.
4. Fixed Wireless: This technology uses directional, narrow beam antennas and radios instead of cables to provide internet services. It is completely different from Wi-Fi or cellular. The radios must be pointed directly at each other with a clear, unobstructed line-of-sight, which makes the connection extremely secure. Network access is only available to the customer who owns the communication link. Fixed Wireless is quickly developing in areas that don’t have access to a fibre connection, and it’s able to cover great distances at a lesser cost than fibre. Although extremely heavy amounts of rain can have an impact on the transmission of the signal, many providers engineer their networks to withstand a wide variety of weather conditions.
Companies who operate multiple POS (point of sale) systems or upload a lot of data should consider a fixed wireless or fibre connection since they are able to provide a great deal of bandwidth. However, if you are simply using your internet to send and receive emails, then a DSL or cable connection may suffice.
A reliable internet connection is the lifeline for many businesses, so doing the research to find which provider is best suited to your needs is imperative.
To learn more about Fixed Wireless Technology, click here.
Blog Author: Vanessa Hartung
