As businesses look to future-proof their communications and connectivity services, readying for the 2025 switch-off, it can be understandably confusing…
There are so many competing technologies and services, all of which have their own downsides and benefits. Though many business connections tend to either be Broadband- or Ethernet-based services.
But what are the differences between them, what are the pros and cons, and which will be best for your business? Keep on reading to find out…
What is Broadband?
Broadband is a bit of a catch-all term (like Ethernet) but in principle, it means a connection that is shared amongst sites in a local area, and those green cabinets you see at the end of roads are where the various connections are split to each site.
Business benefits of Broadband
Cost-effective
Because underlying connections are shared, they’re much cheaper to install.
Quick to install
Wide availability
The great thing about fibre is that speeds are much faster than copper and they’re far more reliable too. However, the full fibre infrastructure that BT and Openreach are currently deploying across the UK won’t connect everybody anytime soon.
While urban areas have been enjoying the benefits of fibre for years, rural and hard-to-reach locations are still waiting for fibre to be laid. Some alternative providers (A.K.A ‘Altnets’) are taking up the slack, but that doesn’t necessarily mean fibre will be available to your site or will be before 2025!
Want to future proof your business before 2025?
Call 0330 055 3570 so we can learn more about your business needs!
What is Ethernet?
An ethernet connection gives you a private connection all the way to the closest exchange, via your local cabinet for a more cost-effective alternative to incredibly expensive MPLS or leased lines that go directly to the exchange.
The main benefit of having a private connection is not having to down tools because it’s a ‘peak time’ of the day and other businesses are hogging all the bandwidth!
Business benefits of Ethernet
Not shared by neighbours
Incredibly reliable
Highly scalable connection
Finally, Ethernet connections are usually installed with cables that are far ‘larger’ than your current needs. For example, a 200Mbps connection is usually transferred over a 1Gbps cable. This means that, as your needs grow and you adopt more connected services, your Ethernet connection can grow with your business without the need to dig up sites again to install a second line!
What’s best for you?
In short, it depends!
If you’re a start-up, with only a couple of staff and no specific need for a high-bandwidth connection, then a Broadband service is exactly what you need – cheap and widespread so that you can establish your brand without overspending.
Though even some one-man bands may require an Ethernet connection if they’re absolutely reliant on a constant internet connection, or regularly upload and download large files such as video files.
The majority of SMBs will probably choose one (or possibly multiple) Broadband connections to keep costs low, while ensuring enough bandwidth is available for all staff to stay productive, take calls and access cloud services.
Though, there’s a strong argument for SMBs to at least consider Ethernet Flex as a better alternative. Considering the benefits of having a connection that’s managed at both ends by our team of networking experts, we can ensure your connection is always available and secure, and speeds can be boosted up to 1Gbps during busy periods, or if the need arises, even scale the entire connection to 1 Gbps 24/7!
You may think this stalemate is just us ‘sitting on the fence’ unable to say either way. But it really does depend on your business:
- What are your immediate needs?
- What will they be in five years?
- What value do you put on having a reliable connection?
- How much could an outage cost your bottom line?
- How far away is your site from the closest green cabinet?
And that’s why we don’t want to say Ethernet or Broadband is your winner – because it may not be and we’re not ones to lie. Instead, we want to learn deeply about your business before recommending a solution that solves all your frustrations now, and in the coming years!
Why work with Everything Voice?
As Cityfibre champions for Yorkshire, we’re not only your neighbours, but we know the infrastructure under your feet better than anyone, and how to get the best possible connectivity to your premises in the fastest time!
- Honest conversations with no jargon
- A partner that wants you to succeed
- Over four decades of combined experience
- Unique contract options like PAYG
So, get in touch on 0330 055 3570 if you want to crown your undisputed champion!