Not all internet connections are created equal, some are dedicated or shared, symmetrical or asymmetrical.
So, what does it mean to have a symmetrical connection? It means there is no speed discrimination based on the direction the data in moving so your employees experience the same speed on uploads and downloads.
At WiLine, we are proud that our internet service plans are symmetrical. Our tailored plans deliver a consistently fast, and equal, upload and download speed, setting
a new pace for the speed of doing business. We live in a digital-first world and our dependence on internet connectivity has never been stronger. A symmetrical connection is now table stakes for any business looking to survive and thrive in the new digital age.
It is important to break down the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical bandwidth to understand the ramification to the business. Asymmetrical bandwidth is typically distributed by legacy internet providers and it usually means upload speeds are significantly slower than download speeds. For example, with a 100/10 internet plan, a business would be able to download at 100 Mbps but upload at only 10 Mbps, throttling the business operation and the productivity of employees.
Asymmetrical or traditional internet service plans are usually over-subscribed and the plan limits represent the highest speeds achievable but not necessarily what will be realized by the business. During peak times, speeds are likely to be much slower because the connection bandwidth is shared across other businesses.
With an asymmetrical internet connection, the business may experience very slow upload speeds even if no one else in the office is uploading at that time. Examples of asymmetrical connections include traditional copper-wire solutions or cable internet solutions, both of which are more suitable to residential usage and small, home office environments.
A symmetrical internet connection offers the same download and upload speeds, so if you subscribe to a 100 Mbps symmetrical internet plan for example, the business can upload and download at 100 Mbps simultaneously.
Most symmetrical connections are also dedicated internet access (DIA) connections which means the business will not share the bandwidth and the contracted speed will be realized even during peak times. Dedicated internet connections are also guaranteed by internet service level agreements or SLAs, making dedicated, symmetrical internet connections the most appropriate for business environments.
Businesses that rely on cloud applications, require fast data transfers, and depend on connectivity to run their operation, shouldn’t consider anything less than a dedicated, symmetrical internet connection. In the digital-first world, a fast and reliable internet connection is foundational to growth and success.
If you are a home-based business or a very small operation with little need for bi-directional, fast and efficient connectivity, then an asymmetrical internet plan from one of the old school internet providers might suffice. Once your business is poised to grow and scale, switch to a dedicated, symmetrical business internet plan to stay on track.
To determine the type of connection that is best for your business, let a WiLine Solution Consultant assist you. WiLine has been helping businesses thrive since 2002, offering tailored bandwidth connectivity solutions at unbeatable savings over its private, mesh fixed wireless network.