List Your Internet Connection Options
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List the available options for internet access that fit the above requirements for performance. You will then decide based on cost and reliability. It is common for both the telephone companies and the cable TV companies to both provide connectivity as an ISP. Electric companies are starting to enter the market as well. You probably need to contact the local provider to determine what they provide to your address. Common offerings are ISDN, DSL, Coax (cable), DS0, T1, and T3. Satellite connections are available basically anywhere but should not be used as anything other than backup connectivity unless other options are unavailable. Be sure to ask what the costs are and the bandwidth it provides. Do not use a wireless connection without a written agreement with the one providing access; wireless is notorious for severe security issues and failing in adverse weather (rain and snow). A DS0, T1, and T3 can usually be purchased form multiple sources even if there is only one provider in your area! Also you may be able to convince an adjacent business to share their internet connection with you either as a primary or secondary connection. |
Comparison of common internet connection options
| Connection | Bandwidth | Comments on speed, reliability, ISP’s, etc. |
| DSL | 0.2 - 24 mbps | Common inexpensive option usually provided by the oldest phone company Does not have the reliability of a T1 or T3. Modem usually provided by ISP |
| Coax (cable) | 0.5 - 24 mbps (possibly shared) | Common inexpensive option usually provided by the traditional cable TV company, speeds vary and the provider may offer different levels of service, The bandwidth restriction placed on the cable modem may not all be available for use at all times due to sharing of resources on the providers network. Modem usually provided by ISP |
| ISDN | Twin 0.0625 mbps channels | Operates similar to a 56k modem with twin phone lines and a service provider answering the call. It is frequently billed as a monthly fee for the line in addition to a per minute charge from an ISP Frequently implemented as a backup connection that connects automatically but sometimes fails when the primary circuit does Very low speed |
| Wireless | Varies 11 - 500+ mbps | Prone to very serious network security issues and may drop network connectivity due to rain and snow. Not normally available from service providers but sometimes used to extend connectivity with specialized hardware to additional buildings without the expense of running cables. Do not implement without securing the connection (encryption). Do not use someone else’s wireless connection just because it is unsecured. |
| Satellite | Varies | Available almost universally. It has very high latency which will make any communications over it very slow even if there is ample bandwidth. It may drop connectivity due to rain or snow. Avoid using except as a backup connection. |
| T1 | 1.5 mbps | expensive but reliable connection to the internet. |
| T3 | 45 mbps. | expensive but large and reliable connection to the internet. |
| “Ethernet” | 10, 100, or 1000 mbps | Cabling standard usually used to form most of the internal networks; bandwidth provided varies with the age of the standard. Not normally available from a service provider. |
Select the internet connection
Now that you know what your options are, you can select what type of internet access you need for your firm. If your are going to use either DSL or Cable internet you do not need to select which one yet, the ISP will help you do that with their available bandwidth and pricing. The major considerations should include the speed, reliability, and cost. You should make a point to read the short redundancy crash course as reliability is quite a bit complex than having two connections. The chart above and the survey of broadband internet connection options can help you in selecting the best connectivity options. Consider what your business needs are in terms of capacity and reliability. If you are using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) try to stick with a T1 or T3 if possible and be sure there is enough bandwidth for phone calls and data communications at the same time. Many business have multiple T1s for more bandwidth and reliability.
In general ISDN is not going to be suitable as anything other than a backup connection due to cost and the lower traffic capacity. The DSL and coax (cable) internet connections are generally the lowest cost broadband connections which is used for most small offices. A T1 (or two for redundancy) are frequently used by larger offices due to the better reliability even though it may not have as much throughput as DSL or cable internet. DSL and cable internet connections may not need to be the “business version” even if the provider offers it, depending on the provider. Business versions are generally higher priced and slightly higher speeds but don’t give better reliability; consider it objectively if you have the option.
For a backup (redundant) connection be sure that the communications fail over to it automatically. If you can have the traffic load balanced rather than “fail over” you are much better off because you have more capacity during normal operations rather using just one. It also provides faster failover. The backup connection doesn’t need as much capacity, or reliability, but should be available when it is needed. Many businesses select something cheaper than the primary connection.
Please continue on to the next page: Purchase the internet connectivity.