Most businesses are connected online via DSL, or Digital Subscriber Lines which generally provide enough bandwidth for most office needs. DSL is an entry-level internet solution that rides on pre-existing phone lines to carry data to and fro.
DSL is often preferred mainly because it’s cheap and readily available. You can get reasonable internet connectivity speeds at affordable prices. The only notable disadvantage is that you get what you pay for. Location also plays an integral role in getting optimum speeds. If you’re far from the provider’s presence point, you can experience weak signal and slowdowns. You also lose service if ever the phone lines get disconnected for any reason.
At best, broadband gives companies bare-bones access to the web. There are better options such as FTTC and FTTP. If your business requires stable, reliable internet connection 24/7 with sufficient bandwidth for data-heavy tasks, then Fibre is the way to go. Fibre is a bit more expensive but it may prove to be better for your business in the long run.
Is FTTC Faster Than DSL?
What if you need an online connection that’s faster than traditional broadband? FTTC, or “Fibre to the Cabinet” may be the internet solution you need. This relatively new technology primarily rides on fibre and some copper wires for transmission of data. Because of this, FTTC service has proven to be more reliable as compared to pure copper material that’s common in DSL services. FTTC connects through Openreach POPs, or Points of Presence and the closest BT exchange areas.
Data transmission with FTTC is much faster than traditional broadband services. It offers speeds of somewhere around 80 Mbps for download and 20 Mbps for uploads. Now you may be wondering, if FTTC is more reliable and speedy, then why haven’t all companies switched to it? The answer is simple- FTTC is a new technology with a low adoption rate. All existing BT exchange nodes will have to be replaced in order to accommodate FTTC technology.
Since FTTC works in a straight line, sharing can mean a drop in the bandwidth transmission speed. During peak times you may get slower advertised download and upload speeds because other users in the same node or area may be transmitting or receiving data as well. Like most DSLs, FTTC has an SLA, or a Service Level Agreement which state that they can’t promise 100% uptime. Moreover, they can’t be held liable for downtimes and service outages.
Fibre – The Future Of Internet Connectivity
If money is no object and you absolutely have to have huge bandwidth speeds 24/7, then there’s no doubt that you’ll have to get Fibre. Just so you know, FTTC is different from Fibre access. FTTP or “Fibre to the Property” is the only true fibre optic that covers the entire length from the exchange to your business. Fibre offers internet solutions that make use of dedicated fiber optical links. The speeds are astounding- you can get up to 10Gbps transfer max, or scale down to, let’s say 100Mbps or 50Mbps if you don’t need all that data. Fibre users have the option to upgrade their data transmission speeds anytime as well.
Fibre as of the moment is limited to certain areas, but there’s no doubt that it’s currently the future of internet solutions. You may not be able to get Fibre if your offices are located in a rural area, though you have the option to pay ECC, or excess construction charges to get a line leading from the service provider straight to your premise. Keep in mind that this includes digging up the ground to lay fiber optic lines from the provider to your office.
Unlike traditional DSL and FTTC, the SLAs in Fibre states that you’re guaranteed quick resolution for any interruption or downtime you may experience. Moreover, you can be compensated for loss of profits, which increases peace of mind knowing that you’ll be taken care of during crises. Suffice to say, fibre companies will only provide monetary compensation that’s equivalent to your level of service and not actually pay you for business losses that may occur.
Newer tech means better security measures, which go a long way in protecting sensitive and private information stored in your office database. You’re getting a dedicated Fibre line along with speedy internet services, which means you won’t be sharing the bandwidth with other users in the same node or area.
Why Choose Fibre For Your Business?
If uptime matters for your business and you or your employees need to be connected all the time, then Fibre is the best of the bunch. The costs of acquiring the service begins during the installation process, but your investment will pay off as soon as you start using it.
Fibre is the future. It’s significantly faster, more secure and is more reliable than other internet solutions out there. FTTCs are best used as a backup in instances where you experience Fibre downtime. DSL is good for moderate use and for firms who don’t rely on online connectivity for their daily operations. And if you’re still not not sure, contact our experts at Amvia to see which technology is right for your business.