Fiber vs Broadband

[dlp]

Hello, I was just looking for some opinions on voice & data connections for our business. We're currently still on an old T1 connection and basically have two options for new service:

1. 10Mb Fiber Connection - AT&T
2. 100Mb Broadband Connection - Comcast

Like I said we currently have a T1, so either connection will be an improvement, but for any reason why I might want to go with the 10mb fiber over 100mb broadband connection.....pricing between the 2 are in the same area.

 

[diizzy]

Well, Fiber is probably much more reliable than the cable(?) connection Comcast provides. In my experience 10Mbit is more than enough for SMBs and reliability > speed by far.
//Danne

 

[tonyyy]

what is the price difference?

how many devices/users do you have?

what kind of data throughput do you need?

do you just need internet use only?

if you got 50+ users and they do a lot of bandwidth intensive stuff then maybe 100Mb is the way to go.

also is the upload the same as download?

need more information to justify your needs.

otherwise if its just 5+ users just go with 10Mb fiber.

but if you got tons of users and you also use cloud services then maybe 100Mb would suit your needs better.

 

[bds1904]

Things to consider:

SLA
upstream bandwidth needs
Downstream bandwidth needs
Price of installation
Cost of static ip addressed
Expansion of users and/or use of cloud services

That should help you weigh the 2

 

[dlp]

We only have a handful of static ip addresses which is included. Would be using this connection for Voice & Data. We have about 25 users plus Exchange server, Web server, and a couple DC plus a Nortel phone system w/PRI. Users mostly using internet just for basic needs....no cloud services, no uploading, nothing really special. I remote into the network, but basically, just me.

Would have to get the quotes, but both companies were something like $50 difference between the 2.

Like I said, we've been getting by from a T1, so with what we do from things mentioned above,,just wondering if there would be any advantage/disadvantage between the fiber or broadband

 

[klank]

SLA is going to be your most important factor.

Is the Comcast connection symmetrical?

 

[Nicklebon]

I know this answer will frowned upon but frankly if you're asking this question you are not the person that should be making this decision. That said what is the CIR the vendors have agreed to? Have you compared the SLAs? The IP addresses you have now are they owned by or your current ISP? If owned by your ISP you need to realize they will not be going with you. If you own them have both vendors agreed to route them? Will they require an ASN? Do you have one? If you don't own the IPs what size block will the vendors provide for you?

 

[Nate7311]

SLA is going to be your most important factor.

Is the Comcast connection symmetrical?

I highly doubt it. It's probably their 100/20 business cable service, as a Comcast Metro Ethernet 100mbit Sync line would be both overkill and priced well beyond the AT&T 10mbit fiber.]

I wouldn't necessarily be afraid to go with the Comcast business cable service, depending on their responsiveness and quality of the cable plant in your area. In the areas I work the most, Comcast is normally pretty quick on their repair for Business Cable customers. I've even had decent luck with Comcast's PRI service with significant savings over AT&T. Otherwise, if not, just do the fiber and don't look back.

 

[bds1904]

We only have a handful of static ip addresses which is included. Would be using this connection for Voice & Data. We have about 25 users plus Exchange server, Web server, and a couple DC plus a Nortel phone system w/PRI. Users mostly using internet just for basic needs....no cloud services, no uploading, nothing really special. I remote into the network, but basically, just me.

Would have to get the quotes, but both companies were something like $50 difference between the 2.

Like I said, we've been getting by from a T1, so with what we do from things mentioned above,,just wondering if there would be any advantage/disadvantage between the fiber or broadband

If you host services, go with the fiber. Period.

SLA is your friend.

Nothing like hearing "uh, it's a holiday, we can't have anyone out to service your line for 5 days" because it doesn't cost them anything for you to be down.

With the SLA they will have your issue repaired as fast or faster than your current T1 line.

TELCo's generally take fiber SLA's seriously because if you are out, likely someone else is too.