Supporting your Internet connections
PC Utilities is a member of LINX (London Internet Exchange) and the new Internet exchange in Cardiff.
We are experienced in all types of Internet connections and can expertly advise on your individual requirements.
What is broadband?
Broadband is the common term for a fast, always-on connection to the Internet, which allows business users to download video clips, send e-mail faster and connect to online content. It speeds up everything a business does online.
There are a number of different types of broadband, but the things they all have in common are:
- Asymmetrical speeds – download is always much faster than upload
- Service level – service level for broadband can be measured in days, not hours, so if Internet is vital for your business then broadband may not be for you
- Broadband services are contended – there can be up to 50 people sharing one line so speeds drop when there are more people online.
Other types of Internet connection
(ADSL) Asymmetric digital subscriber line is a type of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology, a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional voiceband modem can provide.
FTTC Fibre To The Cabinet is a fibre optic connection that runs all the way from the core network through to the local exchange, after which it runs to a street cabinet. From here, several connections split off from one cabinet into multiple business, hence fibre ‘to the Cabinet’.
Static I/P Address
A key factor for business users to consider is the static IP address options. To understand why there are two different ways of assigning IP addresses, it is important to know what an IP address is used for.
An IP address is the defining tag which identifies the host computer on the Internet. This includes identifying the network being used to access the Internet, as well as the host computer accessing the data across that network.
A dynamic IP address is like a temporary address, as it provides you with a temporary connection to the Internet for you to download information from.
Once you log off the Internet, you will lose that particular IP address and it will be thrown back into the network and re-allocated to another user. The next time you log on to the internet, your ISP will allocate you a number from its available pool of numbers.
In comparison, a static IP address is fixed to your network much like your permanent home phone number is allocated to you. With dynamic IP, web servers will only be able to locate you through that IP address for that particular Internet session. So if you want to upload information, give web servers your IP address so that they can contact you, such as with e-mail or hosting your own web site.
You will need to ensure that whatever service you sign up for, it provides you with a static IP address.However, having a permanent connection, giving other web servers the ability to locate you, will pose a greater security risk, so you will need to put security measures in place, such as firewalls.
Want to discuss your options? Call us on 0117 962 63 64