T1 Connection, Ethernet Or Broadband: Which Is Better For Business?

There are a variety of options for internet access in your small business, just as there are for warehouse equipment. Broadband, Ethernet and T1 are three of the most popular choices currently available. They vary greatly on features and pricing. They vary on data transference speeds, as well. Finding the right balance of these traits is crucial in choosing a method that fits your business needs. If you are a business owner in the market for internet connection, refer to this guide on comparing broadband, Ethernet and T1 connection for your small business.

Speeds

In terms of data transference speeds, Ethernet has the fastest of the three choices. It delivers data at a minimum speed of 10 mbps and can go up to over 1 gbps. This is well beyond what the other two options, T1 connection and broadband, offer. Broadband internet providers start at 256 kbps and usually max out around 60 – 75 mbps. T1 connections, on the other hand, have a very sub-par rate of 1.5 mbps. You can raise this to 4.5 by bonding three T1 lines. However, this still pales in comparison to what Broadband and Ethernet offer. If your business transfers a high volume of data everyday, Ethernet would be your best choice for internet connection.

Connection

Each choice has a unique method of internet connection. Broadband uses existing telephone and cable lines to establish a connection. Its strength lies in its ability to transfer at high speeds with little chance of interruption. However, its speeds can be impacted by several factors including the service area and the number of people connected. T1 uses fiber-optic telephone lines that connect directly to the internet provider. Like broadband, it benefits from a low incidence of connectivity loss. It has even greater reliability however, because of its direct connection. Ethernet has similar connection reliability to Broadband and T1. Electromagnetic interference can be a problem for copper lines, but installation is typically cheaper. Every choice has different advantages, and appropriate call center solutions will be different than solutions for online business operations. Therefore, this category will come down to whichever is preferable for your business needs.

Pricing

T1 connection prices vary depending on how far you are from a central provider. Consequently, your monthly costs can range from $180 to $600. On the plus side, it does come with a service guarantee. Broadband has no guarantee. However, they offer solid rates that range from $100 to $200 a month. Overall, Ethernet generally has cheaper rates per megabit of bandwidth than Broadband or T1. This is due to Ethernet cables and equipment being relatively inexpensive. All three choices can be the cheapest option depending on your circumstances. A T1 connection is advantageous if you are within a few miles of a service provider. However, Ethernet is typically going to be the best choice if you are on a budget.

Availability

Service availability differs depending on where you are in the United States. Broadband services are available nationwide through many different service providers. There are also several types of broadband, such as cable and fios. The only downside is that certain areas are usually limited to one provider. Because of this, you might have a hard time comparing different services and workplace accessories. A T1 connection is also available nationwide. Though, as stated earlier, your distance from a central provider will affect your pricing. Ethernet is widely available. However, some services are not as common as broadband or T1. Broadband is a preferable choice for most due to its wide availability. You will have to check with your local service providers to see which is best for your business.

How Do T1 Lines Work?

Of course, it would help to also know how each connection works. Most people know how broadband and ethernet work. However, most do not have knowledge of how a t1 line works. T1 lines are a fiber optic or copper line that carries 24 digitized voice channels. It can carry data at a rate of 1.544 megabits per second. If t1 lines are being used for telephone systems, it plugs into a phone. If t1 is being used for internet and data, it plugs into a router. It is good to have a fundamental knowledge of how t1 lines work in order to make a decision regarding which is the right connectivity solution for your business.

High speed internet access is available through several different methods. A T1 connection uses telephone lines to connect directly to service providers. Broadband offers cable or fiber optic connections that provide consistent high speeds. Ethernet uses inexpensive Ethernet equipment to deliver some of the highest speeds available. Each method differs on speed, pricing and reliability. If you need to help deciding which choice is best for your small business, make full use of the comparisons in this post.

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