- Business, Screamer, SME Business
- November 15, 2023
In today’s digital world, selecting the ideal business internet connection is paramount for smooth business operations. The right choice ensures fast and reliable connectivity, allowing businesses to thrive. However, making the best decision can be complex, as there are several considerations beyond speed, including usage, suitability, and resilience.
Broadband vs. Ethernet: Understanding the Options
Broadband
Broadband, such as FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) and cable services, is widely available and popular among residential and small businesses in South Africa. While it offers fast speeds at an affordable price, it may not always meet larger businesses’ performance and resilience needs. Broadband relies on a shared public network, resulting in potential performance degradation during high traffic periods. Additionally, broadband lines are vulnerable to signal loss and outages caused by environmental factors or accidents, leading to extended service downtimes. When it comes to businesses, these limitations can be a hindrance.Hybrid Connectivity Options
Ethernet over FTTC (EoFTTC): EoFTTC combines FTTC connectivity with a dedicated Ethernet network, offering improved performance and a quicker installation than standard FTTC. Fault resolution may take up to eight hours.Business-Grade Broadband
Due to budget constraints, traditional broadband may be the only feasible option for some businesses. However, it’s essential to consider the limitations of standard broadband services, particularly for businesses with more demanding requirements.Choosing the Right Business Internet Connection
When deciding on a business internet connection, consider the following factors:- Primary Circuit Type: Choose the primary circuit type based on service level guarantees and circuit performance.
- Circuit Failure: Assess the impact of a loss of connection on your business, determine acceptable downtime, and calculate the associated costs.
- Circuit Resilience: If downtime is unacceptable, prioritize a failover with a resilient path. Consider the required bandwidth for resilience.