Finding the right Internet Service Provider (ISP) can be confusing, especially when technical terminology and acronyms make up half the sales pages. We are here to help you understand the common ISP jargon in a simple and useful way which can help business and residential customers alike.
Could it be that the biggest internet providers in the UK are trying to gatekeep essential information so that they can sell you the product they provide, rather than the service you need? One of our core values is empowering customers to understand their needs and to help them find the best solution to meet their objectives. To help you choose the ISP service that best meets your challenges, let’s explore what you need to know.
Why it’s important that you understand ISP jargon
With so many internet providers out there, it can be confusing to know which service is right for you. Add complicated common ISP jargon to the mix, and suddenly it becomes near impossible to really understand what is being offered, and how it fits your unique needs.
Without having a clear understanding of the differences between the various solutions on offer, it’s difficult to make an informed decision on what to buy. This makes you vulnerable to salespeople who promise the world, but don’t speak to your specific business challenges and goals.
To avoid making the wrong decision in choosing the right fibre connectivity to support the internet and voice connectivity needs of your business, we thought it would be helpful if we unpacked the most common fibre-related terminology you’re likely to encounter in your search for the right ISP.
How to choose your ISP
So now you have all the necessary lingo to make an informed buying decision for your business but knowing what these terms mean is only useful if you’re clear on what your IT challenges are.
At Orbital Net, we pride ourselves on valuing customer experience above everything else. While the biggest ISPs offer shiny packages from a faceless brand, we work with you to build a network that is right for you.
Whether you know exactly what you need, or you’re still working out your budget, objectives and resources, we can support you in finding the solution that will nurture your business growth and fulfil your connectivity needs.
To learn more about how Orbital Net can help you make the right choice, book a meeting with one of our specialists today.
Broadband terminology explained
SoGEA or Fibre to the Cabinet: This refers to the traditional broadband connection that utilises the green outdoor cabinets that sit on pavements. This type of fibre broadband is still delivered through fibre optic cables, but these end at the cabinet unit with a copper wire carrying the signal between your office and the unit. With SoGEA connections, the copper cables provide you with broadband and a digital voice line – so you can make calls using your broadband connection.
Full Fibre or Fibre to the Premise: A type of high-speed broadband that uses fibre optic cables all the way from the nearest distribution point to your property. Fibre optic cables are more efficient at transferring data than standard copper cables so you can benefit from faster and more reliable internet speeds that eliminates the capacity problems we see with FTTC.
Dedicated Fibre Leased Lines: A high-speed, point-to-point connection that provides businesses with a dedicated and symmetrical bandwidth connection. Unlike standard broadband connections by multiple users, leased lines offer businesses a private and uncongested connection, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.
Bonded FTTC: The same product as Fibre to the Cabinet, however the pairs of copper cables that run from the cabinet into your premises can be bonded together. This enables you to increase your potential bandwidth.
Wireless Fibre (WiMax): This is our trademark internet solution for businesses that facilitates automatic failover for reduced downtime. It’s delivered wirelessly straight from your premises to the nearest point of presence via line-of-sight aerials.