How to choose an Internet Service Provider for your Business
November 18, 2020 Internet Service Provider
Globally connected, Internet service providers around the world trade Internet traffic to serve more than 4.13 billion digital consumers worldwide.
Digitally powering everything from video conferencing to IoT in business, as fast as service providers deliver online services, the Internet grows.
Today's service provider depends on a reliable, fast Internet connection. To meet the needs of globally diverse businesses and network operators, Internet service providers offer several tiers of Internet services. With such a wide variety of offerings, understanding how to choose the best Internet service provider for your business or network operation can be challenging.
What is the Internet?
A mega network of networks, the Internet is a networking infrastructure that makes communication and information options possible. Interconnecting computers run by companies, governments, universities, and other organizations, the Internet infrastructure comprises the physical hardware, transmission media, and software that is responsible for hosting, storing, routing, and processing information that makes up websites, applications, and content.
Digitally generated, Internet traffic consists of content which includes:
- Documents,
- Data,
- Applications,
- E-services,
- Images,
- Audio,
- Video files,
- Service provider Web pages,
- Email messages, and all that every Internet user textually, visually, or aurally engages with daily.
How is Internet data routed?
When data travels across the Internet, instead of being sent in one large chunk, data is broken down into smaller sizes, commonly referred to as a ‘data packet’. Each data packet can carry a maximum of 1,500 bytes.
Data packet routing is the Internet Protocol (IP) transmission for digital information that navigates the Internet. There are two important types of data packet networks:
- wires such as fiber (connection-oriented packet networks), and
- frequency waves through the air (connectionless packet networks).
Although data packet networks rely on circuit networks for constant transmission, how fast a data packet travels to a destination depends on the file size and bandwidth technology that the data is routed through.
"66% of the global population are projected to be accessing the Internet by 2023." Select the best Internet bandwidth option for your network operational needs.
Cisco
How to determine your business Bandwidth requirements
From emailing coworkers, accessing cloud-based storage or collaboration tools, or digital marketing, an Internet connection is fundamental for any business operation. Internet service providers charge a monthly fee to consumers who have Internet access, though the speed at which data is transmitted, varies widely. The formal term for speed Internet is 'bandwidth'. The higher the bandwidth, the higher its speed. A Bandwidth connection consists of either a dial-up or broadband connection.
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Dial-up connections require the use of telephone lines for connectivity to the Internet through a standard telephone line.
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Broadband connections can be ISDN, broadband access, wireless technology, leased lines, DSL, satellite link, or Ethernet.
Before any type of Internet-related tasks can be completed, you must determine the choice of Internet options and choose an Internet service provider that is best suited for your business needs.
6 Key Factors when selecting an ISP for your business or network operation
Cable Vs DSL
Often referred to as 'high-speed Internet’ or broadband, DSL provides a continuous ‘always on’ dedicated Internet access, this means that the Internet connection is not shared. Designed to send data over twisted pair cabling DSL operates on different frequencies for phone and Internet which enables simultaneous use at the same time without interruptions.
Wired Vs Wireless
Typically lowering operational expenses and increasing productivity, employees working remotely can connect to a companies Internet network from any geographic location without becoming disconnected. With the rise of so many employees working remotely, wireless functionality provides mobility and convenience not offered by wired connections.
Voice Services
As an IT network scales, IP voice services meet the demand of a dramatically expanding team without incurring a large additional expense. Voice over IP (VoIP) technology seamlessly routes IP calls enabling even the smallest business the appearance of being a much larger enterprise.
Guest Wi-Fi
Many types of businesses are rapidly realizing that customer Wi-Fi is no longer a perk, it’s a customer service fundamental. By not offering free Wi-Fi access to customers, a business could lose out to competitors who offer the service. If your network operation is considering setting up a customer Wi-Fi network, you need enough bandwidth to meet the demands that customers will place on your Internet connection.
Network Security
Having reliable technology in place to protect you against intrusions will help prevent a data breach. Internet service providers deliver tailored network security solutions that meet the immediate network security needs of diverse networks whilst providing scalability and flexibility.
Technical Support
With business-class Internet service, no matter how complex, Voiped Telecom guides organizations throughout Europe in migrating, optimizing, and maintaining ICT services, at any level, and at any time, to ensure smooth business operations.