What is business ethernet?

What is business Ethernet and why has it become the standard for most local area networks?

Initially using co-axial cables, Ethernet has evolved to use twisted pair or wireless connections. Ethernet adaptors are now installed as standard in most computers, allowing them to connect to other machines via a router or hub to become part of a network.

What is Ethernet connectivity and what is Ethernet access?

An Ethernet internet connection provides a direct fibre link between your premises and the data centre of your ISP. Effectively, you are extending your network to link up with the internet. It’s important to note that this is a completely private link. This has the advantage over broadband – which becomes a shared connection once it leaves your house or office – in that you’re not competing with other people for bandwidth. It can offer more consistently reliable speeds. In internet terms, this means that there is no contention.

Ethernet explained

Using Ethernet also means that the bandwidth available is the same in both directions. Again, this has the edge over broadband which is asynchronous. In other words, there’s more bandwidth available for incoming data than there is for outgoing.

How is Ethernet delivered to businesses?

The delivery methods are pretty similar to those used for broadband. The most common is for a fibre signal to arrive at a street cabinet and then continue to your business by whatever existing cable is in place. Ethernet over Fibre to the Cabinet (EoFTTC) can offer speeds of up to 20 Mbps. This may not seem much better than broadband, but it does come with the advantages we’ve outlined above. Learn more about EoFTTC deals.

Larger businesses opt for faster connections

Larger businesses and those that rely more heavily on the internet may opt for a fibre ethernet leased line. This provides a fibre connection all the way from your business to the data centre of the ISP. Speeds here are much faster, going up to 10 Gbps, although lead times and costs are obviously higher.

If you’re in an area where there is no fibre availability, you can still benefit from an Ethernet connection. Ethernet First Mile (EFM) combines copper cabling and signal processing technology to deliver up to 35 Mbps speeds on conventional telephone networks.

If you have a business that operates on several different sites, you can also get an Ethernet leased line as a point-to-point connection. This allows you to establish a fast wide area network (WAN) to meet your business needs. If your business operates from multiple sites, you could consider opting for a SD-WAN deal.

The business benefits of Ethernet

How does using this internet connectivity help your business? Many of our current computing needs are no longer met by systems running on in-house servers but are run from the cloud instead. As-a-service applications are available for pretty much any needs, and enterprises are realising the benefit of using IP-based systems for their voice communications.

To reap the full benefits of this plethora of web-based services, it is absolutely essential you have a fast and reliable connection. Switching to Ethernet gives you this reliability together with consistent speeds. Your applications will be available when you need them and – thanks to synchronous speeds and no contention – they’ll run smoothly. Read more about the benefits of having no contention for your business.

You’ll also benefit from greater security as Ethernet leased lines offer a private connection. This means there’s less chance of your data being intercepted. Plus, you can set your own traffic priorities to ensure no slowing of your important data transfers.

Clearly, this is a business-focused product and the delivery reflects this. Ethernet lines come with several service level agreements (SLAs). These guarantee your speeds together with up times typically in excess of 99%, plus fix times in the event of a problem. The links are also monitored by the service provider which means that any latent issues are spotted and fixed quickly before they become a major problem.

Business Ethernet Pricing

Business ethernet pricing may be higher than other connectivity options, however the quality is often worth it. Down the line, it can become a flexible and cost-effective option for businesses looking to grow as it can easily handle higher demands on bandwidth.

It’s easy to see why Ethernet has become the world’s favourite networking technology. It offers a range of speeds depending on the connection type and gives businesses a competitive edge. If you’re interested in a reliable Ethernet leased line for your business, get in touch online today. Our team will help you find the perfect solution.