Business Internet: What’s the Best Option for Your Company?
Choosing the right type of business internet can be daunting. While it's easy to assume you should just go with the best speed and price, there's more to the selection process than meets the eye. If you're unsure what's best for your business's needs, it's exceedingly easy to get locked into a contract only to find out it doesn't provide what you need or want.
No matter what size your business is, ensuring that your enterprise maintains a quality, reliable, and affordable internet connection can make the difference between achieving your company goals and falling short.
At Lighthouse Technology Solutions, we're here to help. Below, we explain the differences between some of the most common types of business internet we offer to help you better understand what your business might need.
Broadband Business Internet
Broadband business internet is widely available because it's delivered through pre-installed coaxial cable TV lines that exist virtually everywhere. It's been around since the late 1990s, so it's not the most advanced internet your business can get.
Broadband Benefits
Broadband speeds are still impressive, reaching or exceeding 100 Mbps in many areas. Business Wifi is an example of broadband cable service that devices can access via a wireless router.
Broadband business internet can be a suitable option for most forms of video communications, uploading and downloading files, and digital collaborations. It's also known for its reliability, availability, and consistency because outages are rare, and it offers connectivity 24/7, even in bad weather.
Broadband Drawbacks
Broadband security issues because unauthorized individuals and hackers can access the connection more easily, requiring a firewall for extra security. Additionally, broadband is not symmetrical. If the download speed was 100MB, the upload speed might be 30 MB. This Internet is less reliable than fiber optic as the speeds vary depending on how many neighbors use their Internet if they are with the same provider, such as Comcast.
However, when nearby businesses and houses are also online using broadband, speeds can suffer significantly. Generally, though, broadband is a solid internet option for most companies.
Wi-Fi
Business Wifi is an example of broadband cable services that devices can access via a wireless router. Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) is certainly the most popular source of internet connection for residential and commercial buildings.
Wi-Fi is defined as connecting a business to the internet through radio signals instead of cables, providing devices with internet access via wireless routers. It is one of the most convenient forms of high-speed broadband internet, benefiting businesses by granting easy access to employees and guests alike.
Wi-Fi comes in handy when employees routinely need an internet connection to multiple devices, such as smartphones, desktop computers, laptops, and tablets.
Wi-Fi Benefits
Wi-Fi offers a more cost-effective solution because it allows multiple devices to connect without needing all the cables and cords. It is easy to relocate, which can reduce effort, time, and money.
Wi-Fi Drawbacks
While Wi-Fi is generally more affordable and convenient as a business internet provider, it's recommended for smaller companies that don't necessarily require high download speeds or strengthened security measures.
Basic Wi-Fi business internet plans accommodate businesses that only need the internet for basic web browsing, email access, or the occasional file sharing or video conferencing. Larger companies needing exceptional internet performance and security should probably invest in a more dependable broadband internet connection to fulfill their needs.
Fiber Business Internet
Fiber internet isn't available everywhere – only about 50% of the U.S. currently has access to it. Interestingly though, it's the oldest type of internet connection (the internet's foundation was built on fiber optic cable). Given that fact, it makes sense that fiber business internet is the speediest connection you can get.
Because it uses fiber-optic cables that transmit data as tiny light pulses through microscopic plastic or glass strands to reach speeds of up to 1 GB (1 gigabit or 1000 Mbps) and can process and send data at nearly 70 percent of the speed of light.
Compared to other types of cable internet connections, severe weather won't affect a fiber optic internet connection, making it arguably the most dependable source of business internet connection.
Fiber Business Internet Benefits
Due to its design, it's not subject to outside electromagnetic interference, which makes it highly reliable. If your business relies heavily on internet-based communication – and fiber is available in your area – it's likely the best option for your needs. This is also a wonderful option for businesses that upload and send large files.
While a fiber optic business internet plan will certainly be more expensive than a WiFi business internet plan, if you need the fastest internet speeds and download times out there, it will certainly be worth the investment for your company.
Fiber Business Internet Drawbacks
The biggest potential drawback to fiber Internet is that it comes at a higher cost and is unavailable in every area. It also requires additional equipment, and integrating the system can be more challenging without the proper equipment.
DSL Business Internet
Fun fact: DSL stands for digital subscriber line – how many people actually know that?
Fun facts aside, though, DSL internet is so named because it's part of a collection of technologies that transmit data over telephone lines using a wall jack. And while fiber internet continues to become a popular choice for businesses, it's still unavailable in certain areas of the country, particularly impacting companies in more rural areas. This is where DSL can still be a serviceable business internet provider, especially for companies already utilizing a business phone service provider.
This particular type of internet was the first major upgrade to early dial-up connections, but with ongoing technological advances, it's now considered a middle-ground business internet option.
DSL business internet is widely available and delivered through your business's phone line. Because DSL internet providers naturally supply phone connections, it can be bundled with telephone service.
So what type of business would do well with DSL? That depends on the business's proximity to the ISP's nearest facility.
Since DSL business internet speeds vary according to a building's distance from the service provider, it's best to consult with a professional who can determine how fast your connection will likely be
DSL Benefits
DSL doesn't require additional wiring, so this means no expensive upgrades for the phone system, and it can use extra lines from the telephone channels to avoid needing additional lines installed.
DSL Drawbacks
In urban locations, DSL speeds can top 100 Mbps, but in rural and suburban areas, speeds often top out in the lower double digits. A popular way to use DSL is to have a cost-effective redundant Internet connection behind a primary Internet connection so it can be used if your business loses the primary connection from an outage.
One consideration about DSL Internet is its dependence on phone lines for access. This has become a concern as people are moving away from traditional lines and opting for cellular options, which have declined in recent years.
Satellite Business Internet
Satellite internet is available wherever there's a clear sky view, which means you can get it virtually anywhere. But that doesn't mean it's necessarily the best option for businesses that rely on consistent, speedy internet performance to get through their day.
Instead, satellite business internet is only suited to businesses that don't rely heavily on online communication or locations with no other option.
Satellite Business Internet Benefits
It offers an easier option for end users than fiber or DSL and simply needs to connect to your computers for access.
Satellite Business Internet Drawbacks
Because a satellite internet signal can easily go down due to outdoor conditions — terrain, wind, rain, snow, trees, and even sunspots can interrupt the signal — it can be prone to prolonged downtime and slow speeds.
SD-WAN
Software-Defined Wide Area Network, or SD-WAN, is an internet connection that depends on software instead of routers or cables to provide businesses with network traffic.
SD-WAN routes data over various commercially available Internet connections, ranging from broadband to fiber optic.
SD-WAN Benefits
Essentially, SD-WAN is considered one of the most efficient business internet services in terms of security, as it specializes in separating your company's web traffic from general public internet traffic.
If your company is eager to have more control over a safe, secure, and affordable business internet service, then SD-WAN is definitely worth looking into. Businesses looking for a budget-friendly internet provider can truly benefit from the cost-effectiveness of securing an SD-WAN internet service provider.
SD-WAN Drawbacks
One of the biggest drawbacks of SD-Wan is its initial price may be higher than other options, but its efficiency can pay for itself over time. There may also be a problem adapting to the solutions, and some individuals may find it more challenging to understand the technology.
Need Reliable Business Internet in the Twin Cities or Nationally?
Whether you're not thrilled with your current business internet or need to set up a brand new connection, contact our Lighthouse Technology Solutions team. We help Twin Cities businesses get cost-effective internet solutions that meet their unique performance needs.
To learn more about how we can help you, feel free to request a free quote or call our Minneapolis office today at 612-345-9177 or contact us online.