By: John Shepler

While it may seem like all internet connections are the same, the way you connect significantly impacts your experience. This article will help determine the best option for you: Dedicated or Shared Internet Access.

What is Dedicated Internet Access?

There are two primary methods to connect to the internet: Shared Internet Access, common for consumers and wireless services, and Dedicated Internet Access (DIA).

Dedicated Access mirrors managing an internal network. You control and own the bandwidth, preventing other entities from monopolizing it. You regulate access, dictating resource allocation for vendors or customers.

It’s crucial to remember that no one owns the internet. Its core comprises a high-bandwidth infrastructure maintained by Tier 1 telecom carriers. Smaller providers pay for traffic routing through this core. Dedicated access provides performance closest to this core.

How Does Dedicated Internet Access Work?

DIA involves securing a connection from a telecom carrier, routed through their network core to the internet’s core. You control all traffic on this line. Once inside the carrier’s network, their infrastructure ensures consistent bandwidth with minimal congestion, latency, jitter, or packet loss.

Isn’t Shared Internet Access a Better Deal?

Shared Internet Access offers cost savings because it’s shared. Internet Service Providers lease a Dedicated Internet Access line and divide its bandwidth among numerous customers. Your maximum bandwidth is limited by your chosen plan.

However, actual bandwidth fluctuates based on simultaneous user activity. While web browsing by multiple users might not cause issues, simultaneous video downloads or large file transfers can overload capacity, leading to reduced bandwidth for everyone. Balancing affordable pricing with sufficient bandwidth for peak usage is challenging for providers, resulting in fluctuating speeds.

Therefore, consider your needs. Cable broadband, satellite, or cellular broadband might suffice if you prioritize cost savings and don’t require constant high performance for tasks like cloud service reliance.

When Even Higher Performance is Required

The internet prioritizes connection stability over bandwidth, latency, or security. Congestion can occur, and performance can vary even with a dedicated line.

Enhancing long-distance network performance involves minimizing reliance on the public internet. Establish a direct connection to your cloud service provider, especially for critical business processes, VoIP telephony, or Unified Communications. Employ private point-to-point lines for connecting business sites. A viable alternative is the MPLS network, a private network guaranteeing resources for all users, though it lacks general public access.

Software Defined Networks (SDN) or SD-WANs offer another solution. These systems manage multiple internet connections, optimizing traffic flow for critical functions. Integrating dedicated lines, cable broadband, wireless modems, or satellite transceivers, SD-WANs ensure redundancy and potentially lower costs compared to a consistently utilized high-speed line.

Evaluate your internet connectivity requirements. Determine if Dedicated or Shared Internet Access aligns better with your needs. Research available bandwidth options and pricing for your business locations.