Modern businesses rely on high-speed Internet connections for collaboration and communication purposes, yet the many different connectivity options can make deciding which is appropriate difficult.
A leased line is an uncontended, symmetric connection designed specifically for businesses needing to upload large volumes of data or have remote workers. Read on to discover how it works!
What is a leased line?
A leased line is a dedicated data connection designed to allow businesses to connect securely, reliably, and efficiently to the internet. Unlike consumer internet connections that share bandwidth among thousands of other users, which often has different upload and download speeds; with a leased line you have equal upload and download speeds; something which can be particularly beneficial if your connection must host servers or services.
Leased lines can carry many different kinds of data, from internet access and phone calls to corporate VPN traffic. Leasing lines are typically purchased as high-speed broadband alternatives for business use; their speed is usually advertised in megabits per second (Mbps), though 1 Gbps connections may also be available.
With more business applications relying on the internet than ever, having a fast and reliable connection is absolutely crucial to growth and productivity. According to WiredScore’s report, 75% of firms reported revenue losses as a result of unstable connections.
If you run a large enterprise or small start-up with bandwidth-intensive digital services, leased lines can help prevent downtime while increasing productivity and enabling staff to work remotely. They also offer higher levels of service with service level agreements (SLA) focused on high availability and quick recovery times.
How does a 1gig leased line work?
A 1Gbps leased line is a dedicated connection that offers symmetrical download and upload speeds. It provides businesses that require high levels of bandwidth with fast and reliable connectivity for various business applications such as VPNs, point to point connectivity with client sites or connecting a data centre to the internet.
Fibre Ethernet leased lines utilize similar technology as fibre broadband by sending pulses of light down an optical fibre cable, but unlike broadband they do not share connections between users, and deliver speeds up to 1Gbit/s at no additional charge. Fibre Ethernet leased lines can be delivered directly to your office and make an excellent option for businesses in cities and towns where fiber optic networks are accessible.
Companies can also take advantage of Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) connections for 1Gbps leased lines, which combine copper with fiber optic connectivity depending on your proximity to cabinets. These connections are an ideal solution for companies that must cover long distances as speeds will increase with each mile of copper that you cover.
There is a range of leased line speeds available to you; however, keep in mind that your bearer speed (maximum connection upgrade speed) will impact how much bandwidth is available to you. A great idea would be opting for a 100Mb leased line on a 1Gb bearer so that any upgrades later down the line can be added on for minimal additional costs rather than having to install new lines altogether.
How much does a 1gig leased line cost?
If your business requires high speed connectivity, a 1Gb leased line might be the ideal choice. Though not inexpensive, its investment will pay dividends in terms of guaranteed internet connection without interference from others sharing the network – truly worth considering for any serious businesses looking for increased productivity.
Costing under PS90 per month, EoFTTC lines offer basic connectivity starting at just PS90 monthly; full fiber connections costing over PS800 are more expensive. Pricing varies based on several factors including provider, connection speed and your location.
Another key consideration when selecting a leased line is the contention ratio. Most broadband services share bandwidth among many users, meaning speeds may slow during busy periods. Leased lines offer constant speeds even during peak hours.
A dedicated leased line offers symmetric bandwidth, meaning upload and download speeds are equal. This can be invaluable when using cloud backup or remote working applications; TalkTalk currently offer a complimentary backup EoFTTC line valued at PS3,500 when purchasing their dedicated leased lines, which is an effective way to minimize outage impact and protect critical business operations. Their UK-based support team commits to rapid 1/2 hour response and 4 hour fix turnaround, making their offering extremely cost effective in the market.
What are the benefits of a 1gig leased line?
A 1Gb leased line can be an ideal solution for businesses with plans for future growth that require rock-solid reliability and heavy data usage. Whether your company relies on cloud back-up solutions, card machines, remote users or internet-powered technology (like VoIP phone systems), upgrading to a higher bandwidth leased line connection could prove worthwhile.
Leased lines provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, eliminating concerns over your team exceeding its data allowance. Furthermore, since it’s a dedicated connection for your business, peak-hour traffic won’t have an effect on its speed.
A leased line can be utilized with redundancy and multi-site solutions to ensure business connectivity remains resilient against downtime. You can also take advantage of high-level service level agreements which will ensure maximum efficiency from your dedicated connection as well as outline any compensation available in case any problems arise.
Installing a leased line comes at an extra cost and installation will depend on where you live as the ducting must be dug up to install a new line. Expect a higher price tag compared to other internet connections but once yours is installed you may immediately reap its benefits.