Who Is The Best Business Broadband Provider?

This question is often asked by IT staff at any given business …. but what they really mean is “who is the best business broadband provider …. for ME?” Even more specifically … “who can give me exactly what I need ….. where I need it …. to do what I have to do with my data/voice network?”

If you ask this ….. read on so you’ll be better positioned to ask the question in a more meaningful way; and get a response that makes the most business sense for your specific situation.

Most importantly ….. to get a complete and worthwhile answer ... there really needs to be more information provided which better describes exactly what your requirements are.

What is the exact location or locations? What is your budget? What applications must your network support (voice, data, multi-media, conferencing, number of users, 1 or more locations - single building or campus, etc.). What's your current usage? What’s your projected future usage? What do you have now (T1, DS3, etherent, etc.)? What’s your current uptime, latency, SLA, and QoS? Who's your current provider? Are you currently under a contract and when does it run out?

Don’t focus solely on speed … or price either. You also need to consider uptime, latency, packet forwarding, and other issues. Both in analyzing your current “state” …. and estimating your future “grow to”.

First start by asking yourself which applications you need to run over the link. People don't buy networks, they buy access to applications.

Then you need to look at the expected usage over the link. The profile of the applications is also important -- are they latency constrained? Are they bandwidth hogs? Is it sporadic access or sustained? Are you bringing Internet over the link?

How far apart are your sites (if this is a multi-site install)? Will that introduce latency? Is that latency going to be a problem?

You also have to look at what you can get. Maybe all you can get is a T1.

Depending on the answers above, you might also need to look at WAN acceleration, Citrix, or other such technologies to get around application limitations. Some applications just don't work well when they're separated by their users by more than a few milliseconds.

That said .... initially I'd lean toward a T1; probably integrated (voice and data). But that will depend on number of users and load (video conferencing, large multi-media file sharing, etc.) and so forth. You might need to go bonded T1 or DS3 (T3) bandwidth if your load/usage is large. If available, ethernet should be an option at least from a cost effectiveness standpoint.

As for a provider .... shop around. Remember that location is key when buying broadband. Use a consultant who can talk the language and negotiate for you. If you do this yourself you'll get frustrated, spend a lot of time and effort, and likely be talked into something you really don't need ... at a cost more than you should pay. If you’d like free help with this …. I strongly recommend the no cost services at:

Compare Business Broadband Providers

OC3, OC12 & OC48 Bandwidth (Fiber Optics)....Ideal Solution For High End Users

The ideal solution for high end bandwidth users where connectivity is essential for operations isn't a simple T1 or DS3 dedicated line...you need an "OC" fiber optic network. So just what is OCx, what can it do for you, and what do you need to know?

What is an OCx Circuit?

'OC' stands for Optical Carrier and is used to specify the speed of fiber optic networks conforming to the SONET standard. SONET, (Synchronous Optical Networks), includes a set of signal rate multiples for transmitting digital signals on optical fiber. The base rate (OC-1) is 51.84 Mbps. Certain multiples of the base rate are provided below with bandwidth amounts. Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) makes use of some of the Optical Carrier levels.

Optical Carrier lines provide content providers, ASP's, ISP's & large enterprises with dedicated Internet connectivity. These Optical Carrier Level circuits are an ideal solution for high end bandwidth users where connectivity is essential for operations. Some examples are large data centers, high tech research facilities, university infrastructure, airport complex, and casino video security and data systems.

What is an OC3?

An OC3 can be three DS3s (T3s) or as one 155M pipe. The benefit in using DS3s is that each can be separated back out as individual T1s (each with 24 channels). To put it into perspective, the speed of an OC3 connection is 155Mbps. This is equivalent to 3 T3 lines or 100 T1 lines. An OC12 connection is 622Mbps, equivalent to 14 T3 lines or approx. 414 T1 lines.

What is an OC12?

An OC12 is approximately equal to 4 OC3s and runs at 622 Mbps. which makes it an excellent point-to-point IP delivery connection. The greatest benefit to an OC-12 is that bandwidth can be added to a business as it grows without any major system overhauls. An OC12 can also allow a business to have unlimited IP addresses which insures that growth is never limited...

What is an OC48?

An OC48 works as a reliable fiber optic backbone for large networks which require volume extensive voice/data/video traffic. It is a long-haul backbone fibre connection capable of transmitting data at 2.45 Gbps. To put it into perspective the speed of an OC48 is the equivalent of having 48 T3's OR 1,344 T1 lines

The pricing for these type of connections can vary widely depending on the carrier, location of service and the exact application for which the connection is being used. Due to this complexity it is suggested to use the services of a consultant such as FreedomFire Communications to research available providers and find the best fit to meet a specific requirement.

Tip....How To Determine Network/Bandwidth Requirements For Supply Chain Management Systems

Following is a list of information packed articles to help you solve your bandwidth issues with a supply chain management system network design and installation. You'll get tips on what to look for, what to ensure is part of any design package, how to compare providers for any solution you decide upon, and where to find the best deals so you have the best chance at the most cost effective solution.

* What Bandwidth Solution (T1, DS3, OC3) Makes Sense For A Supply Chain Network?

“A company's supply chain network can be a complicated animal. To service this network of constant data sharing and storage requires a high performing reliable network backbone. An important part of the design is the right level of bandwidth support .... T1, DS3, or OC3 bandwidth circuits to be exact. Making the right decision on what circuit to choose means navigating a number of issues.”

* Meeting Your Bandwidth Requirements For Supply Chain Management Applications

"Deploying an Supply Chain Management (SCM) solution that provides the intended return on investment requires that the applications, servers, and enterprise network infrastructure work together seamlessly. This is easier said than done and will necessitate a thorough evaluation of your bandwidth needs to meet the demand."

* More On Meeting Your Bandwidth Requirements For Supply Chain Management Applications

"The key to a successful SCM implementation is a clear understanding of the business objectives and business requirements of the company the SCM primarily supports. This often includes a number of legacy systems which need to be integrated into the solution. From this will come the technical objectives to be met and the technical requirements that frame the solution. Only then will the communication requirements for bandwidth capacity, reliability, resiliency, latency, security, and expandability be meaningful."

Comparing Business Ethernet Service Providers [Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet] ....Cost And MUCH More

It seems the buzz in today's IT world is all about business ethernet....Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet in particular.

With that in mind....if your business is looking to:

* ....move into a building with existing carrier facilities.

* ....substantially upgrade your current broadband connections.

* ....establish a direct relationship with a provider without the local Bell in the equation.

* ....find a carrier who provides QoS (Quality of Service) guarantees. Since the carrier you select is in complete control of your connection, it is much easier for them to provide QoS.

* ....gather information that will be helpful in the planning stages of broadband deployment for a new real-estate development.

.....than we have an amazing resource for you.

Compare Ethernet Service Providers

The free resource web site, powered by next generation GeoQuote software and Google maps, enables the general public to search for lit buildings where carriers have a physical presence. The results are displayed on a dynamically generated map for easy viewing. There's also a ton of material explaining the background and application of ethernet technology for those who need it.

You can also use this related free resource.... Business Ethernet Solutions

Ethernet will be in five years what T1s are now - the standard for commercial broadband. Ethernet allows customers to connect DIRECTLY to the carrier's network at speed of 10 mbps to 10 gbps for under $20 per meg. That's a huge savings over existing connections......you get more for your buck.

The problem with ethernet is it's availability. Never before have carriers ever disclosed where they have their expensive fiber that makes ethernet possible. These carriers have now entrusted this highly valuable information to us for use with the above resource tool.

Combining the database of "lit buildings" we've received from XO, Level3, MegaPath, Telnes, Time Warner Telecom, Nuvox, One Communications, Cavalier (to name just a few) and Google maps, we created a visual research tool that will foster interest in ethernet service..... as well as assist companies looking to relocate find office space close to an ethernet service provider.

Why is Ethernet the future?

Ethernet is, quite simply, plugging your network directly into a telecom provider's network. When you bypass the local phone company you cut out an expensive transport step. Having direct access to customers is a carrier's goal as it allows them to control the user's experience from end to end while reducing cost. These savings are passed on to you.

"The market for managed Ethernet services is expected to grow by 30 per cent a year until 2010, when it will top $25 billion (£12.3bn) worldwide." Infonetics Research - July 2007

"Over time, Ethernet will overwhelm SONET in the MAN/WAN market. Ethernet is cheaper, has better economies of scale and allows for simpler, more unified networks. Ethernet is at the gates, and it's coming in." Greg Collins - July 2007 Business Communications Review Magazine

So if you're looking for ethernet service of any kind...you owe it to yourself to save time, effort, money, and headaches by using this free resource:

Business Ethernet Support

Need More Bandwidth For Your Voice Or Data Network? Try This FREE Help....

For anyone frantically looking for bandwidth solutions for any reason.... a special IT project, an increase in your voice/data network requirements, adding a new business location, replacing old systems, needing more cost effective solutions than what you have.....relax.

You don't need to work over time, watch your blood pressure rise, or worry about cost over-runs and deadlines.

These guys will take care of it for you.....at no cost to you.

Simply enter your detailed requirements in their webportal below & you'll automatically receive real time rate quote info via email comparing multiple providers available in the specific area you specify....neat little tool. You can do that in just a couple minutes.

Bandwidth Solutions

They'll follow that up with more detailed research and get back to you. They even negotiate on your behalf, do the paper work, monitor the provisioning and installation process, and serve as your advocate throughout your contract with whatever provider you choose. End to end solution I'd say.

If you prefer, you can call them toll free instead and discuss your specific needs live:

1-800-880-2001 Ref ID# 144292

BTW, did I mention this is a no cost service? I love free stuff. ;)

So sit back and relax. Let somebody else do the heavy lifting. You just reap the rewards.

You Might Be A Smart Phone Addict If .....

You might be a smart phone addict if ......

- You sleep with your smart phone next to you in the bed while it's charging.

- You take it with you to the restroom at home to use while on the throne.

- You are reading this post from your smart phone even though you have a laptop or desktop nearby.

- You're at your desk at work but you check your email on your smart phone.

- You and your significant other have matching smart phones.

- You have the home charger, the work charger, the travel charger, the car charger, and an extra battery just in case.

- You have different color smart phone holsters to match your outfits.

- You forward your home and work calls to your phone, even though you are at home or at work.

- You have more than one smart phone, with you right now.

......... If you can think of more Smart Phone addict "habits" ..... feel free to add them as a comment. ;)