Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: What is a Fibre Leased Line?
Q: How do EtherStream™ and SureStream actually work?
Q: What are the different options for connecting to the Internet?
Q: What is broadband?
Q: What is ADSL broadband?
Q: What is SDSL broadband?
Q: What is cable DSL broadband?
Q: What is satellite broadband?
Q: What is wireless broadband?
Q: What is a dial-up (narrow band) Internet connection?
Q: How do I know which Internet connectivity is best for my business?

What is a fibre leased line

A leased line is a dedicated bandwidth service delivered over a leased fibre connection. Leased Lines have potential bandwidth above 1Gbps and, therefore, can carry over distances up to 35Km from our network. Leased Lines from Easynet Connect have high availability, high reliability and are fully managed, backed with service level guarantees, contracted response times and 24x365 monitoring and customer support. All equipment is provided at the time of the on-site installation, and remotely managed for the customer. The disadvantage of leased lines is the higher cost because of the requirement to install a fibre-optic connection direct to the customer’s premises. Our EtherStream™ and SureStream products offer leased line performance for a fraction of the cost. Leased Lines, however, remain a good option for customers who are located far away from their local exchange, or who have requirements for very high bandwidth (over 40Mb).

How do EtherStream™ and SureStream actually work?

EtherStream™ and SureStream are both high-bandwidth Internet access services that operate over multiple bonded lines. EtherStream™ is an EFM (Ethernet in the First Mile) Layer-2 Ethernet service that bonds either 2, 4, 6 or 8 lines using EFM equipment installed in our exchanges. SureStream uses 2 bonded SHDSL lines and the bonding occurs at the IP layer. The advantage of both these innovative services is that they use existing copper local loop infrastructure, and they are highly resilient because of the multiple lines used. Utilising the copper local loop is a much more cost-effective option than fibre with very little difference in service accessibility.

What are the different options for connecting to the Internet?

There are several ways you can connect to the Internet. To determine which one is best for you, you need to think about the needs of your company. Connection speed will be a vital factor – both the speed for downloading and for uploading. The different options for connecting to the Internet are as follows:
- ADSL Broadband
- SDSL Broadband (Surestream and Etherstream)
- Fibre Leased Line

What is broadband?

Broadband is a way of accessing the Internet that provides fast access speeds, lets you download and upload large files quickly, and provides an ‘always-on’ connection (you are constantly connected to the network so there is no need to connect every time you want to use the Internet or send an email). Broadband is usually supplied for a flat rate charge. There are a number of different broadband solutions available, including ADSL, SDSL, satellite and wireless networks.

What is ADSL broadband?

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, and is the most widely available form of broadband. ADSL operates over a telephone line, and lets you send and receive emails, faxes, and access the internet simultaneously (you can also make standard telephone calls but these will be charged as an additional cost). ADSL is an ‘always on’ broadband connection where the download speeds are faster than the upload speed (hence ‘asymmetric’). ADSL is perfect for any business that requires fast and unlimited access to the Internet at a low flat fee.Depending on which broadband supplier you are with, you might be sharing your ADSL connection with a large number of Internet users in your area, which can make your connection slower. Check with your broadband supplier to find out their policy on shared connections. Companies that specialise in good connectivity and Internet access for businesses, such as Easynet Connect, operate a low ratio (called a ‘contention ratio’) for sharing connections, which means there are less Internet users using the same connection, so your internet connection is quicker. See our ADSL business broadband.

What is SDSL broadband?

SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is an ‘always on’ Internet connection where the download speeds are equal to the upload speed. SDSL provides a fast connection, ideal for businesses with high bandwidth requirements such as large volumes of email traffic, website hosting, virtual private networks (VPN), and VoIP (voice over IP). Companies that specialise in good connectivity and Internet access for businesses, such as Easynet Connect, offer SDSL. Easynet Connect provides a high specification SDSL, with high service levels, and a low ratio (called a ‘contention ratio’) for sharing connections, which means there are less Internet users using the same connection, so your Internet connection is quicker. See our SDSL.

What is cable DSL broadband?

Cable broadband is ASDL broadband offered as part of a package from a cable operator, using its existing cable networks. Typically cable networks offer bundled packages that include broadband Internet connection, TV, and telephone, making them best suited for personal Internet use at home.

What is satellite broadband?

Satellite broadband lets you connect to a broadband service via a special satellite dish. This method suffers from slow upload speed, delays, and bad weather, so is not suitable for business use. It is generally used for personal/home Internet use by those who live in remote areas where ASDL is not available.

What is wireless broadband?

Wireless broadband allows you to use a broadband connection when you’re out and about, for example WiFi/ Wimax hotspots in airports, cafes or hotels. Wireless broadband is still in its infancy, and is relatively complicated to set-up. It is best thought of as broadband on-the-move, useful for staff who are out of the office rather than as a day-to-day solution.

What is a dial-up (narrow band) Internet connection

Dial-up is an Internet connection that uses your existing phone line to dial a connection to the Internet.
For a business relying on the Internet, even for a part of its communications or day-to-day work, this solution is not suitable as the connection is slow, and the amount of data it supports is low, so for example you would be prevented from sending large or bulk emails.

How do I know which Internet connectivity is best for my business?

Don’t choose on price alone, you might end up paying extra for things like support and additional usage. Reliability and quality are important for your business so make sure you buy a business package rather than a consumer one. If you are looking for business use, then you need an Internet Service Providers (ISP), such as Easynet Connect which specialises in business needs from the Internet. A professional ISP will offer faster speeds, larger storage and bandwidth, and also a higher level of service. For example, Easynet Connect offers support 24 hours a day, with UK-based call centres and guaranteed service availability – all vital if you rely on the Internet for your business, or if for any reason there is a problem with your connectivity

What services are available to me?