Feb 22

Many businesses today need to increase their bandwidth but are not sure where to turn or how to go about it. Wireless technologies are not yet stable over distance and are clearly not adequate for medium to high volume data transfers. A T1 is a great dedicated solutions (infinitely preferable to the SHARED and NO-GUARANTEES aspects of any DSL or cable connection), but when you start needing more than about 4xT1 (four bonded T1's, or 6 MB), the cost of Ethernet starts to blur with the cost of more bonded, and is much better than fractional or full DS3 circuits.

While Ethernet is yet not available everywhere, it presents an extremely cost effective option where it is available. Contrary to popular belief, Ethernet does not require fiber; depending on the bandwidth required (i.e., under 50 MB), either copper or fiber can be used.

Whether you are wiring up an small office or a large business, wired Ethernet is your best most cost-effective solution. While initial installation costs are approximately twice as much for MMF fiber optics as compared with Cat 6 copper twisted pair with RJ-45 terminations, for short-range distances, the extra outlay is fully justifiable. This is especially true when the industry is on the threshold of implementing the 40/100 GbE technology. What constitutes the "best bang for the buck" is entirely dependent on the current use and anticipated growth.

For SOHO applications, Cat 5e or Cat 6 copper is generally fine, unless the office is running some significant bandwidth-intensive in-house server I/O applications. Wireless technology is fine for light office or home use, however, it is not as secure, less reliable, more prone to dropouts and more suited to routine internet surfing, print servers, and other relatively low bandwidth applications.

Service charges to connect the business to the Telco CO with Ethernet are dependent on loop – as opposed to line of sight – distance and availability of copper-to-copper connections. Ethernet to the CO is possible over a two pairs of leased lines – commonly called "dry lines" – with special terminations installed at both the CO and the premises.

For on-premises applications outside of the frame, wired Ethernet over copper is cheap – generally less than 15 cents a foot, including terminations – easy to pull and install, flexible and requires little to no modification for instant connection to most computers built in the last 5 years. Most up-to-date computers come ready to handle 1GbE connections right out of the box with no additional parts or labor-intensive installation. For older machines, 1GbE network cards are usually less than 20 dollars in single unit quantities.

While other solutions are viable, wired Ethernet is clearly the most cost-effective and practical solution for business. Many offices are already wired for in-house Ethernet, the 30-year-old technology is mature, reliable, and proven over time. The on-going maturation process is continuing, embracing the new MMF fiber optic hardware without sacrificing the tried-and-true copper. This is not necessarily true with other methodologies requiring constant hardware upgrades to keep pace with changes in logical protocols.

If the business is considering replacing or rebuilding their in-house servers, it would be wise to investigate the current state of MMF technology. Multiple fiber ribbons installed now will reap benefits in the future. Ensure any fiber optics installed are certified for 40/100 GbE traffic. Retaining a reliable, competent and trusted telecommunications consultant with an established reputation and proven knowledgeable and experience is money well-spent.

If you are looking for Ethernet connectivity options from about 30 of the top carriers and providers in the industry where we guarantee the lowest price from those carriers, please visit http://business-ethernet.com to find your most cost effective options in Ethernet or other connectivity options such as T1, bonded T1, DS3, and MPLS.

by: Jon_Arnold