High-speed internet access options for distributed enterprises

In today’s fast-paced world, connectedness is of vital importance for any business. Distributed enterprises that consist of numerous business branches with directors and employees working in different locations have high demands for fast and stable Internet connection. With our increasing population, the fiber optics sector has seen a rise to $8.07 billion in 2023, where fiber optics are deployed to cater to new technologies. 

This article will discuss the types of cable broadband available and how to examine and select the correct business internet service providers to make your distributed enterprise competitive and connected in this digital era.

Understanding the need for high-speed internet in distributed enterprises

With a dispersed or decentralised staff and operations, it is essential to have access to fast and reliable business internet to maintain communication with employees, cloud connectivity, increased organisational productivity, quality customer relations, adequate security, and organisational flexibility. Here’s how it benefits an organisation:

• Efficient communication: Enables rich and integrated real-time and near-real-time exchange of data and ideas.

• Cloud access: Facilitates fast and efficient delivery of cloud services and ensures synchronisation of all stored data.

• Productivity: Reduces interruptions and increases the data transfer rate throughout the company, thereby increasing the output of employees.

• Customer service: It solves the problem of conducting fast, efficient, and secure online transactions and performing other customer service actions.

• Security: Enables strong security measures and data backup to minimise data loss in a cyber-attack or other calamity.

• Scalability: Scales up data and handles user requirements adequately, thus flourishing in today’s remote working environment.
  

Tata Communications' Internet Access Service offers dedicated bandwidth, ensuring you have the speed and reliability needed for critical business operations. Our service guarantees uninterrupted and secure high-speed data transmission, essential for maintaining your productivity and competitiveness. 

Different options for high-speed internet in distributed enterprises

While it is essential to identify high-speed options for the distributed enterprise to guarantee adequate connectivity and efficiency, it is a necessity that is geared toward this direction. Now, let’s move on to other high-speed options that can help support distributed enterprises.

Fiber optic internet

Fiber Optic Internet refers to using threadlike materials made of glass or plastic to carry data in the form of light pulses. It offers blistering speed capabilities at 1 Gbps and low latency. This option is appropriate for organisations needing dependable, large network capacity connections.

Cable broadband

Cable broadband uses coaxial cables to connect small business internet providers. Though it boasts high speeds, it can be slightly slower during peak usage, because it shares bandwidth with other users. Cable broadband is generally affordable and available for small and medium enterprises. It is one of the most highly recommended types of business broadband.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an Internet connection that uses telecommunication lines. It can offer a good speed of up to 100 Mbps, but this is slower than the connections provided by fiber optics. DSL is well-adapted to small companies that only need to access business internet for their connections.

Satellite internet

Satellite Internet employs signals from satellites for connection and is therefore accessible in areas most networks may not serve. However, it may come with a challenge of high latency arising from the transmission of signals from one node to another.

Wireless (4G/5G) broadband

Wireless broadband, also known as 4G/5G, relies on cellular service providers for data connection. It is easily portable and ideal for situations where work can be carried out in different places, such as when one is only working for a short time. Battery life may also differ depending on networking abilities and traffic.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

FWA refers to the use of wireless networks with antennas on two points or terminals. It provides dependable speed and low latency, and it’s suitable for the regions excluding from the fiber- or cable-based broadband connection.

Hybrid Solutions (SD-WAN)

Hybrid Solutions (SD-WAN) provide multiple active connections like fiber, DSL, or 4G/5G, challenging MPLS networks in the midmarket. Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) controls traffic flow and can deliver traffic services even if one of the links/paths is unusable.

Evaluating and choosing the right internet access option for distributed enterprises

When evaluating and choosing the right business internet access option for distributed enterprises, the following considerations need to be taken into account:

• Business needs: Identify your unique organisational needs. Decide whether you require high-speed connections for specific tasks such as video and teleconferencing services, cloud solutions, or transferring large files.

• Location: The availability of Internet options depends on region-specific regulations. While some regions may have fiber optic backbones, others may still rely on cable, DSL, and satellite. Opt for a plan that matches its geographic location to ensure that it is where your business resides.

• Speed and bandwidth: There are also different Internet technologies, and some can provide more Internet speed and bandwidth capacity than others. Fiber optic services offer some of the best and fastest internet connections, with speeds up to 1Gbps and low latencies. Cable broadband and DSL are pretty quick but may slow down at certain times, especially in the evening. 

• Reliability and redundancy: More internet connections means that in the event of downtime on the primary connection, the service provider should have a backup, such as fiber with 4G/5G. Assess the service provider agreements (SLAs) and uptime warranties offered by wired internet service providers.

• Scalability: Select a solution that is compatible with the company’s development, as flexibility can be a significant factor for the firm. Solutions like fiber and flexible hybrid solutions like SD-WAN are well-positioned to scale to support the extra capacity that additional applications may require.

• Security: Evaluate the security potential provided by different internet connection alternatives. Specific lines, especially fiber line connections, may boast more security than other shared connection types. Also, it denotes the necessity of using VPNs and firewalls to enhance the security level of data and messages.

Conclusion

Internet connectivity is essential for the functioning of enterprise internet providers in general. In a day and age where business transactions, agreements, and operations may occur over enterprise broadband located in different corners of the world, acquiring high-speed Internet is not only advantageous but crucial. 

When you seek the best in reliable high-tech Internet connectivity, look no further than Tata Communications. As a global Tier-1 internet service provider, we offer more than just speed - we provide peace of mind. Our dedicated bandwidth ensures your data flows uninterrupted, while low latency keeps your operations running smoothly. Also, our global coverage brings you closer to critical content, cloud applications, and users, and multiple, diverse traffic paths guarantee an always-on service. Contact Us now to get High-Speed Internet Access Options for Distributed Enterprises!