A high-speed, stable internet connection is indispensable to the success of any modern business.
Whether you want to manage routine business operations or provide uninterrupted customer support, high-speed internet is essential.
That’s what makes finding the right business internet provider a necessity for modern business organizations. Choosing an internet connection for your business involves evaluating various parameters, including speed, bandwidth, network latency, reliability, and scalability.
In this blog, we’ll dig deeper into the steps to determine the optimal bandwidth for your company’s internet connection – and the advantages of business fiber bandwidth.
Network Bandwidth: Why Is It Important?
The terms “bandwidth” and “speed” are often used interchangeably in the context of internet connectivity. However, bandwidth refers to the maximum rate at which data can be transferred over a wired or wireless internet connection. In other words, it determines how much data can simultaneously flow through your network.
Choosing an internet connection with optimal bandwidth is crucial for every business. A larger bandwidth provides room for transmitting more data at a faster rate, but it comes at a higher cost.
On the other hand, a smaller bandwidth slows down your internet connection. This, in turn, interrupts routine operations, affects employee productivity, and causes you to incur losses.
Bandwidth depends on various factors, including the type of internet connection you’re using. For instance, bandwidth offered by fiber optic cables is typically higher than that of DSL internet. Also, it offers lower latency compared to cable broadband and is more cost-effective.
Now that you know all about network bandwidth, let’s discover how you can determine the right bandwidth for your business.
How to Determine the Bandwidth Needs of Your Business?
Here are the key factors you should keep in mind when considering your bandwidth needs:
1. Evaluate Network Usage
Ask yourself these questions:
- How many employees are going to simultaneously connect to the network?
- Are you planning to have guest networks for clients and vendors?
- Will your employees use more than one device to connect to the internet?
- Do you intend to use a VPN?
Your answers to these questions will determine the required bandwidth. As a ground rule, you should have a connection with 10 to 15 Mbps of minimum bandwidth for every device.
2. Identify Type of Applications
Next, it’s time to identify the type of applications your employees will use while they’re connected to the internet. If they’re going to use cloud-based SaaS tools to run essential business operations, you’ll need more bandwidth.
Similarly, if your employees need to use video conferencing and VoIP services, it’ll escalate your bandwidth needs.
Depending on the type of applications used, it might be wiser to prioritize business fiber bandwidth over other internet connectivity options. Fiber internet offers various advantages, including improved speed, reliability, and scalability.
3. Analyze Current Bandwidth Utilization
If you’re already using a business internet connection, evaluate your current bandwidth utilization to determine whether there’s a need to upgrade.
4. Monitor Data Patterns
The amount and type of data your employees transmit and store over the network will also impact your bandwidth needs. For instance, if you need to store and access video files from the cloud, you’ll need more bandwidth.
5. Assess Locations
Lastly, if your business internet connection is going to be used at multiple buildings in the office premises, you’ll need higher bandwidth.
Choosing the Right Internet Connection for Your Business
Selecting an internet connection with the right bandwidth is crucial for maintaining business continuity and enhancing customer support.
Also, it helps your employees stay connected and improves their productivity. Business fiber bandwidth is ideal for organizations that use cloud-based apps, video conferencing services, etc.
So, if you’re looking for a high-speed and reliable internet connection for your business, get in touch with LS Networks to find out whether fiber optic internet is the right choice for you.
