Most businesses today are built on data and depend on a reliable connection to deliver email access software, cloud storage, collaboration platforms and other business applications. For those who require a super-fast connection without the impact of bandwidth competition from neighbouring users, leased lines may be worth considering.
Fibre leased lines provide dedicated internet access for premium performance. This means no slow connections during peak hours and symmetrical speeds, which offers the same upload speed as download speed.
Reliability
Businesses need a secure, stable and high-performance connection that will not let them down. This is the case whether you are a FinTech enabling financial transactions, an e-commerce operator with large and fluctuating inventory or even a design agency transferring large multi-layered images and video files.
Unlike standard broadband connections, leased lines are dedicated and private. This removes any potential data breaches, interference and limits the risk of downtime due to a bad connection.
Leased line speeds are also guaranteed, allowing for a much more reliable business connection. Synchronous speeds mean that upload and download speeds are the same, which is vital for services like cloud-based systems or video conferencing.
When comparing leased line providers and packages, pay attention to the terms used by each provider. Look for the words ‘line speed’ or ‘bearer speed’, which refers to the symmetrical speeds of a leased line (upload and download) and the maximum capacity that a leased line can achieve, respectively.
Scalability
Businesses can scale their bandwidth with leased lines without incurring significant infrastructure costs, meaning the connection will grow and evolve alongside your company. This flexibility is essential for businesses relying on cloud-based services, VoIP telephony, or video conferencing tools.
Additionally, leased lines are uncontended, meaning the speed of your internet won’t dip or slow down during peak times as it isn’t shared with any other users. This is particularly important for businesses who deal with sensitive or volatile data.
Leased lines also offer symmetric speeds, which means the upload and download speed is the same, whereas traditional broadband is asymmetric and favours higher download speeds. This makes leased lines perfect for businesses requiring high levels of connectivity, including FinTech companies with up to the second intelligence on financial markets and complex configuration websites or data-focused tech firms that regularly upload large files or use video conferencing. They are also suitable for e-commerce companies who need to keep their inventory up to date, or content providers who want to ensure that users experience minimal buffering and high-quality streaming experiences.
Flexibility
When businesses experience an unstable Internet connection, it’s disruptive to their productivity. It can affect team efficiencies, customer service and business growth. However, when leased lines are used to provide fast and stable connections, they can help businesses deliver a better online experience for their customers.
Leased lines offer a private network connection, which means the bandwidth is exclusively for your use. This means there are no issues such as those experienced with consumer broadband, which can cause download speeds to degrade at peak times due to other users all trying to access the same data.
In addition, leased lines are often a symmetrical service, meaning the upload and download speed is the same. This is important for businesses that need to upload large files, connect to remote offices through VPN and run business telephony and cloud services. This also helps to ensure that any video and audio content is distributed quickly and efficiently for a great user experience.
Security
Many businesses are wholly reliant on data transfers, so having a reliable connection is crucial. Whether you’re a FinTech offering credit-related services or an e-commerce operator managing a large inventory, you need high-performance internet access to deliver your essential software applications and ensure smooth business operations.
Unlike broadband connections, leased lines provide a dedicated fibre connection with guaranteed bandwidth that you won’t share with other users. This is a significant factor when it comes to security because hackers can breach your internet connection through copper wires, but fibre connections are far harder to penetrate.
Additionally, leased line connectivity is always symmetrical and offers equal upload and download speeds. This is another advantage over broadband, which typically offers higher download capacity but lower upload speeds. This is a key consideration when using cloud based tools for business such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and video conferencing. You can also upgrade your leased line in increments to match your bandwidth requirements, as opposed to changing your infrastructure.