In today’s fast-paced world, businesses rely on data connections to ensure efficient communication. Now, with more people working remotely, it’s more important than ever to know those connections are solid. You don’t want to find yourself or your team struggling with a weak, unstable internet connection in the middle of the workday — especially when your customer experience relies heavily on a timely resolution. That’s why it’s so critical to have a backup internet connection. It can save your business from unforeseen outages, unnecessary downtime, and lost revenue.
With so many options available, it’s easy to question which one is best for your business. In this blog, we’ll explain the benefits of three different internet options:
- Backup Internet Connection
- SD-WAN
- LTE Connection
Backup Internet Connection
Backup internet connection can be as simple or complex as your organization needs. Adding a secondary circuit through another provider is a great way to load-balance traffic or have a fail-over option. The key to making this option work for your business is to ensure the providers come into your site through different infrastructures.
SD-WAN
SD-WAN can offer greater versatility by allowing you to redirect traffic through a cloud provided interface to the connection of your choice. This can be great in the instance that you have a loss of a facility or are unable to make it to the office. With SD-WAN, you can redirect traffic to the connection of your choosing, providing flexibility and scalability for your business.
LTE Connection
An LTE connection can be another great option for companies. With this solution, you move away from wired infrastructure and rely on a cellular connection. Most wireless providers offer options to install an LTE modem/router onsite that will work in a fail-over situation. Additionally, with this method, you can take the device with you, doubling as a mobile internet connection to use anywhere you have cellular signal. However, this solution does have a few caveats:
- The connection will most likely not be as fast as a wired option and will have higher latency. This is primarily a backup solution and should not be considered for a primary connection.
- While typically a low-cost option, you will typically fall under data caps. If transferring large files is a necessity, this solution may not be the best option.
Which Option Is Right for Me?
Deciding which internet option is right for you can come down to several factors like price, availability, and business needs. It is important to evaluate each option for yourself and think about what works best in your situation. Don’t feel the need to pick just one — in many cases, all three may be a great solution. Most importantly, don’t wait until you need a backup connection — stay ahead of the curve. The question should not be “do I need a back-up connection,” but “when will I need a back-up connection?”
Let Optus Help You Find the Right Internet Solution
Our team of experts can help you assess your business’ internet needs and make the most informed decision. To learn more about your connectivity options or schedule a consultation, contact us today.
