By: John Shepler

As technology progresses, businesses require significantly faster internet speeds. Our Wide Area Networks (WANs) are now crucial for operations. Today, internet connections of 100 Mbps, 1000 Mbps, and even 10,000 Mbps are standard and essential. Fortunately, pricing has decreased as speeds have increased, making these bandwidth levels attainable.

100 Mbps Fast Ethernet

100 Mbps is the current standard bandwidth, replacing the older 45 Mbps DS3 bandwidth. DS3, an upgrade from slower T1 lines, is part of the TDM telecom standard. While DS3 was once supplied via T3 coaxial copper lines or microwave signals, it’s now delivered through SONET OC3 legacy fiber optic service.

Cable broadband using DOCSIS on small coaxial cables offers a more budget-friendly 100 Mbps option. These cables are commonly used for cable TV and broadband. Generally, 100 Mbps refers to the download speed, while upload speeds might be 10 Mbps or lower. This service is shared among users, meaning actual bandwidth can fluctuate. Nonetheless, 100 Mbps cable broadband is effective for many work-from-home setups, home-based enterprises, small offices, and small retail businesses.

For larger or more technically demanding situations, 100 Mbps Ethernet over Fiber provides symmetrical service with 100 Mbps upload and download speeds. This dedicated and private service guarantees consistent 100 Mbps bandwidth solely for your use. While requiring a fiber connection instead of cable, pricing is usually manageable and widely accessible.

1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet, or GigE, offers ten times the bandwidth of Fast Ethernet. This speed is achievable through cable broadband providers in many regions. The increased speed simplifies multi-user connectivity and supports demanding applications like high-volume video streaming and conferencing.

Gigabit Ethernet over Fiber, a premium service with decreasing costs, is gaining popularity among medium to large businesses. It offers exceptional reliability, minimal latency, jitter, and packet loss. The high bandwidth ensures a seamless experience even with multiple simultaneous users. Symmetrical bandwidth improves the performance of cloud-based applications and remote backups where upload speed is critical.

10,000 Mbps Gigabit 10 Gig Ethernet

10 Gigabit Ethernet, or 10GigE, represents the fastest bandwidth currently available to most businesses. It enables the connection of large offices, factories, warehouses, and retail stores to the internet or as point-to-point private lines. As expected, bandwidth is symmetrical and private. While DOCSIS cable theoretically supports 10 gigabits, this service primarily uses fiber optic connections.

At these bandwidth levels, additional options emerge. You can choose a standard fiber optic connection or lease a dedicated wavelength (lambda) on the fiber for enhanced privacy and security. For maximum control, leasing an entire dark fiber and managing its configuration yourself or through the carrier is possible.

Advancing Bandwidth Levels

Similar to processor speeds and core counts, metropolitan and wide area network bandwidths are continuously improving. In specific areas, 100 Gigabit Ethernet over Fiber is becoming available for businesses. Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing enables this by activating dark fiber and potentially reaching Terabit per second speeds if budgets permit.

If you require substantial business bandwidth at your current or future location, high-bandwidth broadband and private line services are increasingly accessible and affordable. Obtain quotes from various providers to determine the most suitable option.