How to Do a Business Connectivity Audit?

What Is the Difference Between a Leased Line and Business Broadband?

We're all well aware of the importance of high-speed broadband, but many are not aware that simply purchasing super-fast fibre broadband is sometimes not enough. This is where leased lines step in, offering a reliable and super-fast internet connection.

Here are the differences between business broadband and leased line connections:

Business Broadband

Business broadband is the standard option. This type of broadband connection operates on Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Lines and through copper wires or existing phone lines. It is most common among small businesses. 

Here are some important facts to consider about ADSL lines. 

• Contention - People who opt for ADSL lines have to contend with contention. The contention is a ratio that tells consumers how many other people they share their broadband connection with. During peak times, your broadband will lower based on your rate of contention. 
  
  
• High latency - This term refers to the response time after you have clicked something. Standard broadband has high latency, which means that you will wait for longer. 
  
  
• Scalability - The scalability level shows you how difficult it is to alter the bandwidth you get every month. Standard broadband connections are not easy to alter. Most people who choose this option are on a fixed package. 
  
  
• Symmetricality - This determines how equal your upload and download speeds are. Business broadband can offer you quick download speeds, but poor upload speeds. 

Leased Lines 

Leased lines offer a direct line straight to your business premises. This solution offers unbeatable reliability as it does not experience any slowdown in internet speeds during peak usage hours. It also provides a static IP address, allowing employees to work from anywhere whilst still having access to the business files via a secure network connection.

Leased lines also provide the strong infrastructure and speed to host VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) telephone solutions. With the PTSN switch-off fast approaching, this certainly offers support and security for companies moving forward.

Here are some more benefits of leased line solutions for business customers:

• Contention - Business owners do not have to worry about connectivity when they choose leased lines. Leased connections are unique to your business, which means that you do not share the line with anyone else. Slow peak times are a thing of the past. 
• High latency - Leased connections have low latency. You can expect quick load times.
• Scalability - You can call your provider and request additional bandwidth.
• Symmetricality - Business owners can enjoy matching upload and download speeds.
• VoIP - telephone systems can be quickly scaled up at a low cost.

Do I Need Standard Business Broadband or a Leased Line?

Standard broadband is suitable for small businesses that do not have pressing connectivity requirements. As your business grows and starts implementing networks, employees and more advanced CRM/ other mission-critical applications; a leased line may be required.

The type of broadband you should choose depends on the type of business you operate. If you are managing a call centre with multiple headsets and desktops, you should invest in a leased line to ensure that you have a reliable connection. Businesses that depend on video conferencing for their income should also invest. 

A poor connection, frozen screen, or peak-time slowdown could be all it takes to lose business. With more and more companies securing a stake in the digital space, it is important to be ahead of the curve. A leased connection can transport your business into the 21st century. 

Which Has Better Security: Standard Business Broadband or Leased Lines?

Security is a big concern for business owners all over the UK. In most cases, standard broadband is secure enough to handle day-to-day operations. However, companies that handle sensitive data need a comprehensive view of their options. 

Leased lines offer far more security than standard broadband solutions. As a leased line has its own connection separate from other users, they offer more protection against cyber attacks.

It is uncommon for people to attack dedicated lines. Wiretapping, which requires hackers to be near your premises, is far less likely to happen. In fact, most common leased connection breaches come from an internal error such as an employee opening a phishing email. 

Compare Broadband and Leased Lines 

No matter which type of broadband you decide to use, it is important to compare your options. With our online quote generator, it has never been easier to compare business broadband and compare leased lines. Put your information into our generator and find a tailored solution to your connectivity needs within a minute.