Article provided by Daisy Business Solutions
The market size for Internet Service Providers (ISP) in America was over $133 billion in 2022. These ISP companies provide web access to both businesses and customers. They may also offer domain registration, web hosting, and much more.
Right now, the internet is an essential part of businesses. They may use it to reach their customers or even access their inventories. Business owners need a fast and reliable internet service to keep up with today’s market trends.
Would you like to know precisely what kind of internet speed your business needs? Fibre optic internet might be what you need. Read on to learn more.
Knowing your current bandwidth
Internet speed determines how much data and information transfer happens over the web. In America, the average internet speed is 99.3 Mbps. This kind of internet speed allows users to browse through websites with ease.
Having a fast and reliable internet connection allows for speedy business transactions and enables you to provide better customer service.
The first step in determining what internet speed is best for you and your business is knowing the speed and the bandwidth at your disposal. You can run an internet speed test to determine if you need an upgrade. This test will determine the measurement required for your download and upload needs.
Download speeds measure how fast your internet connection receives data. Upload speed determines how fast your internet access sends data from your device to the web. To get the most accurate bandwidth and internet speed reading, run the speed test when nobody else is using the internet.
One thing to note is that wireless connectivity may vary throughout your business site. Conduct the internet speed test on a device connected via an Ethernet cable. Doing so will allow you to fetch consistent results.
A large bandwidth means that more data can pass through simultaneously and faster. Internet providers also usually charge more for higher bandwidth. Conducting these simple tests and knowing the speed your business needs can help you save money.
Determine the number of users
Determining the number of users is essential for business connectivity. The number of users in your office or business affects the speed and, ultimately, the performance of your internet connection. You may need more bandwidth if you have more internet users in the office.
Also affecting the internet bandwidth is the number of tasks any user completes. Tasks like sending email and browsing the web don’t need much data, whereas video conferences and cloud-based applications tend to consume more data and thus affecting bandwidth.
Investing in an office automation tool can also help in workplace management. It can help provide connectivity solutions for your company and employees and easily keep track of staff workflow and schedules.
How many connected devices
The number of devices in your business connected via your service can impact your internet bandwidth and speed. Wired connections are usually stronger than wireless internet connections because devices connected through Ethernet cables create a direct link to the router.
The more connected devices, the more the internet speed is affected. These increased connections explain decreases in internet speed during peak business hours. Under these circumstances, devices get a smaller bandwidth share.
The age of the devices you use will also affect your internet speed. Older computer systems and smartphones with outdated processors may not be able to process the bandwidth of your internet connection.
Employees usually use two devices per day for work. So, you can safely double the actual bandwidth required when calculating the devices used. This method lets you know what bandwidth size is sufficient during business hours.
Your business’ online activities
Determine the activities involved in your business by asking the following questions: Does your company hold online conference meetings? Does your business use cloud inventories or applications?
Know how much bandwidth these activities use to choose an appropriate speed. Also, know the bandwidth usage required for essential business tasks. That list may include emails, meetings, file sharing, and backup services.
For small business internet use, a speed of 5 to 10 Mbps would do. This speed is adequate for a company that has less than ten employees. Their tasks may typically include web browsing and sending emails.
On the other hand, companies using a phone and video conferencing service may need at least 25 Mbps. In addition, such an internet speed can support some web-based computer programs. Customer support and voice service providers may also operate efficiently with this internet speed.
Businesses that use cloud-sharing or cloud-based applications may need at least 50 Mbps as this speed supports backup services and web-based applications.
Internet type and speed
Every internet type offers a different internet speed. Your choice should ultimately depend on the number of users you have and your business activities. You may also consider the location of your business when choosing what type of internet to use.
One of the most popular internet options is a Fibre-optic connection. This type uses fibre optic cables instead of the traditional copper wires. It delivers data to the device using light signals.
Fibre connections are ideal for frequent file sharing and video streaming. They have a download speed of up to 1 gigabit per second and an upload speed that can reach 100 Mbps.
Digital subscriber lines or DSL internet runs through a business landline. Its download speed is around 6 Mbps, and its upload speed is 1 Mbps. This internet connection can support online browsing, research, and email.
Cable internet uses the same wiring system common in household cables and has an average download capability of 10 Mbps and an upload of 5 Mbps. The line supports file sharing and other online business transactions.
Satellite internet uses radio waves to connect with satellites and deliver internet connection. Its download speed starts at 12 Mbps, and upload begins at around 3 Mbps. This type can support data backups and video conferencing.
Choosing fibre optic as an ideal internet service
There are numerous ways to determine the internet speed your business needs. As we’ve said, firstly, consider the number of users you have while also keeping in mind the essential business tasks that require efficient internet access.
Remember that every business has unique needs but that choosing the correct one can help you save money.
We can provide professional services to help your business find the perfect solutions. Contact us for all your business connectivity needs.
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