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What is FTTP and leased line internet?
FTTP is an internet connection type commonly used by residential customers and small businesses. The connection sends data from the internet via the shared broadband infrastructure, the exchange and the nearest roadside cabinet, with fibre cables running from the exchange to your premises. This means that users share part of the infrastructure and during peak times the service is likely to be slower. It is likely that you may see terms such as Fibre to The Premises on Demand (FTTPoD) or FTTP on Demand, which are both physically identical to the FTTP connection, with the type of connection simply depending on what is available within your area.
In comparison to an FTTP connection, a leased line provides your premises with its own dedicated connection, which is not shared with other users. Whereas, a fibre optic cable connects your business directly to the public internet, without the need for data to be sent via an exchange and the roadside cabinet.
What speeds are provided by FTTP and leased lines?
The fastest speeds provided by FTTP connections are usually between 20Mbps and 1GBPS, depending on factors such as the provider and your own location. The download speeds available will be much faster than the upload speed, as FTTP connections are asymmetric. Although FTTP connections are not the fastest option available, they are faster than FTTC connections.
With an FTTP connection you will always be sharing the available bandwidth with other premises, so while a provider may offer great speeds, the figure quoted is not always reliable. So, if your business has a 50Mbps connection, you will not receive this speed all the time as it will fluctuate over the course of the day.
In contrast, leased lines provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, so both the upload and download speed will be exactly the same at all times of the day. Leased lines will provide much faster speeds, so businesses could benefit from speeds of up to 10Gbps. It is quick and straightforward to increase speeds, so your business could sign a contract for a bearer providing 1Gbps, however you could pay for a connection speed of 100Mbps with the ability to pay more and increase speeds when required.
FTTP vs leased line: Which is the best option for my business?
There are many types of internet connections available to businesses, with faster and more reliable fibre connections more readily available than ever before. However, there are a variety of connections types available, including Fibre to The Premises (FTTP) and dedicated leased lines. If you are wondering what the differences are between these fibre connections and which is the best option for you, this useful guide will provide you with everything you need to know.
What service levels can I expect from FTTP and leased lines?
In general, those with a fault on an FTTP line can expect the issue to be fixed within two working days, as these lines are solely designed for use by businesses. However, providers of leased lines understand that issues need to be resolved as quickly as possible, so most businesses will benefit from specialist assistance and guaranteed uptime levels. On average, leased line faults will be fixed within a matter of hours as the fault will be diagnosed and repaired quickly in comparison to FTTP customers.
What is the difference in price between FTTP and leased lines?
Leased lines are more expensive than FTTP connections, as your business is provided with a dedicated line which is faster and more reliable. The exact cost of a leased line will depend on factors such as the speed you require, the contract length and your location, although prices typically start at around £150 per month. In contrast, FTTP lines are much cheaper, with many providers offering contracts starting from £30 per month. Your business may also need to pay installation costs for a leased line, with some FTTP providers also charging installation costs for premises which are a long distance from the exchange.
Which is the best fibre optic option for my business?
If you are a small business which doesn’t require the fastest speeds available, an FTTP connection may be suitable. However, if your business is heavily reliant on internet access, you may benefit from the service levels and uptime offered by leased lines. If you are a larger business with a number of users requiring access to cloud services, VoIP or large file transfers, it is likely a leased line will be the most suitable option.
Our aim is to help businesses find the most competitive deals for their internet access, which is why we have partnered with a variety of internet service providers. Whatever your business size or connection requirements, we can help you find the best deal for your business quickly and easily. To find out more about our free comparison service, please contact our team today.
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