Whether you’re starting a new business or looking to upgrade existing systems in a current operation, choosing the right internet connection can’t be understated. Going with an underpowered option can leave your business struggling to keep up, while selecting an overpowered solution can waste money, adding monthly unnecessary strain. The trick is to find the sweet spot, in a place that gives you enough room to expand without breaking the bank.
We’ll examine some key components for both the base connection and additional hardware choices and explore exactly what you need to know to make an informed choice. From finding the right speeds to considering additional hardware concerns, weigh these options carefully, and you’ll be happier with the final result.
Demands Comes First
The most important thing to remember about internet speed in business is that it’s better to have slightly too much than slightly too little. Internet speed is most often measured and advertised in terms of bandwidth, listed today as megabits per second (Mbps). The modern home and business target standard across the world is generally listed at one gigabit, or 1,000 Mbps.
This speed is enough to download a classic 700-megabyte CD in around 5 seconds. It’s also roughly the maximum possible speed of a single 5G internet connection, though few 5G systems have reached this level in real-world scenarios. The gigabit speed standard is almost always enough to cater to a small business, but there are some confounding elements to remember.
The first is that each active user essentially takes a part of the total available bandwidth. Two people sharing a gigabit connection will make that connection operate at around 500 megabits each, for example, and ten would cut this speed to around 100 Mbps each. In this latter example, the download time for a CD would increase up to around a minute, though the speed split is often uneven.
If you know how much bandwidth each business computer will roughly use, you can use this calculation to determine the upper limit of what you need. If you don’t, then a Google search around the demands of the software you use can help.
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Some businesses will also need to factor in the data use from customers if they offer free Wi-Fi when in-store. This can be complicated, due to how individual use patterns can vary. On the extreme low end, there are uses like playing online casino games and collecting special offers like no deposit bonuses. Whether claiming these bonuses or playing games on services like Jackpot City or bet365 Casino, bandwidth costs will rarely exceed 10 Mbps. On the other hand, if somebody wants to watch an ultra-HD movie on your network, the cost can increase to 50 Mbps, so keep these variables in mind. Depending on your customer base and the waiting time they might expect in your business, most will fall somewhere within the online casino to UHD streaming bandwidth demand spectrum.
From Good to Gimmick
Fast connection speeds and unlimited bandwidth are always good targets but don’t get stuck in the trap of thinking that new tech is automatically better tech. Sometimes newer tech can be little more than gimmicks, or it can be designed for use cases that don’t align with your own. Starlink is a great example here, which can be a perfect fit for travelers or remote locations. It’s also unreliable and expensive when compared to cabled internet solutions, so don’t think that just because it’s heavily advertised it’s automatically a good choice.
Don’t Forget the Hardware
A good plan with the right speed opens up your business potential, but to capture this potential you’ll need to invest in the right hardware. The most important components here are routers and the connections you use between the router and your connected computer systems.
ISPs often offer cheap or free routers with internet plans, but these can be limited. They’ll often have poor range, offer limited penetration of walls, and struggle to connect with many different devices simultaneously. In these cases, purchasing a better router could be a better choice. You might also want to avoid Wi-Fi connections entirely, opting for direct cabled connections. These are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, though you’ll then have to deal with cable management. Still, shutting off Wi-Fi can add an extra level of security to your business if that’s something you’re concerned about.
Weigh each of the above ideas carefully and, if possible, go over them with the IT professionals you have to update or install your business network. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for every user, but with careful planning, you’ll be much more likely to find a setup that is safe, secure, and effective for the years to come.
