What Is Business Internet?

From daily operations to customer connectivity, most businesses can’t function without Internet. So, what exactly is business class Internet? While similar to home Internet service, small business Internet refers to a specific connection type with features tailored for running your business.  Whether you’re looking for a more reliable connection, faster upload speeds, business continuity or increased security, small business Internet—provides substantial benefits.

Learn how it can support your business below.

Choosing the right business Internet speed for your business is an important factor when selecting an Internet Service Provider (ISP). A fast business Internet speed can increase employee productivity, improve customer experience and maximize efficiencies. In contrast, slow lagging speed can interrupt everything from workflow to communications.

How fast is business Internet? Most ISPs offer commercial Internet service at different speed tiers that range from megabits per second (Mbps) to gigabits per second (Gbps). Here’s what you can expect:

• 50 Mbps: Ideal for three to five users to conduct simple business tasks, like downloading files and sending emails.
  

• 100 Mbps: Ideal for up to 10 users, this is your standard small business Internet speed. This speed allows you to share files, stream video and run transactions with ease.
  

• 200 Mbps: Ideal for a growing small business with up to 20 users. At this speed, you can video conference and backup a large amount of data in the cloud.
  

• 300 Mbps: Ideal for midsize businesses with up to 30 users. This speed allows you to stream high definition videos on multiple devices, run online conferences, as well as physical servers.
  

• 1Gbps (1,000 Mbps): Ideal for enterprise businesses with more than 30 employees at a business. Speeds at this level will deliver maximum speed operating with minimal interruptions.
  

Upload speed is the rate at which data is transferred from your computer to the internet, while download speed is the rate in which data is moved from the internet to your computer. In other words, upload speeds are used to create content and share it online, and download speeds are used to watch, listen or consume content online. Upload speeds are essential for activities such as video calls, posting photos online and uploading files. Download speeds are important for activities like viewing websites, streaming videos and downloading files.

Small businesses with multiple users and devices will benefit from faster upload speeds provided by a business Internet plan. Upload speeds of 50 Mbps or faster will help support online activities, such as live streaming and uploading large files.

Performing a speed test will reveal how fast your upload speeds are. If you find your upload speeds aren’t what you signed up for, try taking the following steps to improve your results:

• Centralize your router: Certain objects, such as thick walls and other devices, can get in the way of your wifi signal and slow down your connection. Moving your router to a more centralized location, away from walls can help pick up the speeds.
  
• Disable devices not in use: Every device in your home or office has to share the same amount of bandwidth. Help reserve your bandwidth by disconnecting any devices not in use from your network.
  
• Use an ethernet cable: A wired connection will be faster and more reliable than a wireless one. For faster speeds, connect the device you’re working on directly to the router.
  
• Install wifi extenders: If you work from a multi-level home or office, or if your wifi signal is weak in certain rooms, wifi extenders can help improve your signal. Providers like Cox offer wifi pods that can help eliminate dead zones.
  
• Upgrade your internet plan: If you’re constantly experiencing lag and poor-quality videos, it may be time to upgrade to a business internet plan to receive faster speeds.

The cost of business Internet pricing depends on your ISP, location and specific needs. Typically, faster business Internet speeds cost more than basic packages. Before you choose a business Internet plan, consider things like the size of your business, how many people will access the Internet and what speed you’ll need to operate without interruptions.

When comparing the cost of business Internet versus residential, consider that business Internet may cost more due to additional benefits like faster upload speeds and better reliability, support and security.

Business Internet needs the right equipment in order to enable both an Internet and WiFi connection. If you’re a small business, you’ll most likely need a small business modem and business router to get your WiFi up and running. Here are the different types of equipment you’ll need to setup your business internet:

A modem or gateway is a device used to connect your business network to an Internet connection. Think of a modem as an operator connecting information from your ISP to your business network, so you can then connect all your devices to the Internet.

A router takes the WiFi signal from your modem and pushes it out to your connected devices. This also allows these devices to communicate with one another, forming a network you can seamlessly access.

Instead of getting two separate devices, a 2-in-1 combination set gives you both a router and modem in one, which can be easier to manage.

It’s standard for your ISP to offer you the required equipment, either for a leasing fee or at no extra charge depending on your business Internet plan. Cox Business offers its customers equipment like a Business Internet Gateway that combines a business modem and commercial router into one device to provide Gigabit Internet connections* with WiFi coverage up to 3,000 square feet.

You can also purchase and use your own equipment if the small business modem is compatible with what your ISP recommends. However, it’s typically more convenient to use your provider’s equipment because they can troubleshoot any issues and configure your settings whenever necessary.

There are varying types of business Internet. The three main types of connections available for commercial Internet are:

Business DSL Internet services are delivered through your telephone line and are often bundled with phone services. Speeds will vary depending on how far your establishment is located from your ISP’s nearest facility.

Cable Internet delivers service connectivity and business WiFi access through a modem and router, with connection speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 1Gbps. This Internet type is ideal for businesses that need to upload and download files, stream video and utilize small business phone service through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. Many ISPs offer cable Internet as part of a phone and TV bundle.

Fiber Internet, is one of the newest technologies to enter the broadband market. It offers reliable fast speeds of up to 2 Gbps (2,000 Mbps) that can take your small or large business to the next level. If you need business Internet that supports a heavy workload, web browsing, file sharing, streaming and online backups, fiber Internet may be the way to go.