Fiber, copper, Wi-Fi — which one does your business really need?
Choosing the right type of internet sounds like a massive challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. You need a speedy connection so you can perform day-to-day tasks without spending too much cash. Here’s how to choose the right type of internet for your business.
1. Copper Internet
For years, most businesses have used a copper internet connection — cable, DSL and other services transmitted over copper wires. Wired internet has been around for a long time, but it still does the job: Businesses can access the internet, benefit from moderate upload and download speeds and pay a relatively low price for this service.
There are limitations with copper, though.
This type of internet can take weeks to set up, depending on whether your business has the necessary infrastructure in place. If you don’t, waiting for an engineer to establish a copper broadband connection in your workplace could impact your business operations.
Related: Your Guide to Avoiding Everyday Data Disasters
Copper is also slower than some other types of internet. If you are a medium or large business and rely on the internet to connect with customers, handle payments and automate tasks, you might want to look into another type of service. Moreover, if an engineer doesn’t install copper internet properly or your cables are loose or malfunction, it could hinder your internet speeds.
“Newer services like Ethernet can provide really good bandwidth per dollar, but traditional T1’s are slow by their very definition,” says Broadband Now. “T1 is defined as a 1.544 Mbps service, which was fast back in the day, but not anymore. T3 is much faster at 45 Mbps, but costs per month can be in the $1,000s.”
There are numerous copper internet service providers in the United States. These companies offer a wide range of services and price points for business customers.
2. Wireless
4G Wireless — or 4G Wi-Fi — is one of the most popular types of business internet. Still, many companies are using outdated technology which are slowing down their internet speeds.
“50% of all small businesses are using Wi-Fi technology that’s more than 10 years old.”
4G Wi-Fi lets you connect to the internet wirelessly — you don’t need any cables to your devices, just a router that connects to a wall socket — and multiple devices can connect to the same wireless network at the same time.
This provides you with a multitude of business benefits.
Your employees can connect to the internet on their desktop, laptop, smartphone or mobile tablet, for example. You can also use Wi-Fi to collaborate on team projects, streamline everyday tasks, check emails quickly and share valuable data.
“An internal Wi-Fi network means the end of employees being tethered to their desks to do excellent work,” says LoveToKnow. “Internal Wi-Fi allows employees to work at their desk, in a conference room, or in any other location.”
Although Wi-Fi provides you with more speed and functionality than copper internet, it still might be too slow for your business. When many devices connect to the same wireless network, expect internet speeds to slow down. You might also see the internet connectivity drop if you move too far from your router.
Related: The Importance of Good Technology in Business
Like copper, there are a number of Wi-Fi services for business owners at different price points. You can often combine these with traditional telephone services.
3. Fiber
If you are looking for the fastest internet out there, fiber could be for you. This technology utilizes plastic or glass cables, which facilitates super-quick data transfer.
What does this mean for your business?
Well, you can upload files, download documents, share data and browse the internet with lightning-fast speeds.
“Fiber optic cables have a much greater bandwidth than metal cables. This means that they can carry more data,” says Webopedia. “Fiber optic cables are less susceptible than metal cables to interference.”
Unlike copper and Wi-Fi, fiber internet provides you with the peace of mind you need. You won’t have to worry about internet speeds slowing down your business operations. It’s no wonder, then, that more and more companies are using this technology.
“Fiber optics cables are only around 30% slower than the speed of light.”
Although fiber internet is more expensive to install than copper and Wi-Fi, it could provide you with a long-term return on your investment. You might be able to perform more business tasks in a quicker time frame, for example, or increase productivity in the office.
Make the Right Internet Choice with Xpert Technology
When it comes to choosing the right type of business internet, you have three main options.
Copper internet is the oldest technology on this list but still provides you with moderate speeds and a cost-effective service. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, lets you connect multiple devices to the same network without any cables.
Finally, there’s fiber.
This new technology has revolutionized internet speeds and provides you with quick access to the web. Although it’s more expensive to install than copper and Wi-Fi, it could optimize the way you run your business in the future.
Looking for more information about how fiber internet can benefit your business? Click here.