Evaluating Dedicated (DIA) versus Shared Fiber Optic Business Internet

November 1, 2023

Dedicated Business Fiber Internet

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The importance of high quality internet connections

Having fast and reliable internet isn’t just a luxury anymore – it’s a necessity. Whether you’re working remotely, running a business, streaming your favorite shows, or catching up with friends and family, internet connectivity fuels modern life.

Why reliable internet matters

Work and remote productivity

Imagine being on an important video call with a client, and suddenly your internet lags or disconnects. Frustrating, right? A stable connection ensures seamless virtual meetings, uploads, downloads, and access to cloud apps.

Education and online learning

Students attending virtual classes need uninterrupted access to resources, recorded lectures, and real-time discussions to perform well academically.

Entertainment and gaming

Buffering while watching a thriller kills the mood. Gamers also require low latency and fast speeds to avoid lags, which can ruin competitive gameplay.

Staying connected with family and friends

From WhatsApp calls to virtual family gatherings, a strong connection keeps relationships thriving across distances.

Understanding broadband fiber internet

What is broadband fiber internet?

Fiber internet is currently the fastest and most reliable type of internet. It uses fiber-optic cables made from strands of glass or plastic that transmit data as light signals, resulting in blazing speeds and minimal latency.

Shared Broadband Business Fiber

How does fiber internet work?

Fiber optic cable structure

These cables contain thin glass strands bundled together, each capable of carrying data over long distances at the speed of light.

Resistance to interference

Unlike copper cables, fiber-optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference, weather disruptions, and signal degradation, ensuring stable connectivity.

Benefits of fiber internet

  1. Ultra-fast upload and download speeds

  2. Low latency is ideal for real-time applications

  3. High reliability with minimal downtime

  4. Scalability for growing data needs

Choosing the right internet provider

Factors to consider

Speed and bandwidth

Assess your team or household’s usage to choose appropriate bandwidth for simultaneous devices and applications.

Reliability and SLAs

Check for Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that guarantee uptime to avoid critical disruptions.

Pricing and contracts

Compare costs, hidden fees, and contract terms to ensure affordability and flexibility.

Customer support

Responsive support teams are invaluable for troubleshooting and timely resolution.

Dedicated fiber optic internet (DIA)

What is dedicated internet access?

Dedicated Internet Access provides a private, non-shared connection between you and your ISP, ensuring bandwidth is exclusively yours.

Benefits of DIA fiber internet

Guaranteed bandwidth

You “own” your bandwidth, meaning maximum speeds are always accessible, even during peak times.

Consistent performance

Unlike shared networks, performance remains stable regardless of other users.

Enhanced reliability

Downtime is rare, with most providers ensuring 99.99% uptime through robust SLAs.

Stronger security

Dedicated connections are harder to infiltrate, enhancing your data security.

Scalability

Need more bandwidth? DIA connections scale seamlessly as your business grows.

Limitations of dedicated fiber

  1. High costs compared to shared or coax internet

  2. Requires long-term contracts (3–5 years)

  3. Deployment can take months due to construction timelines

Shared business fiber internet

What is shared fiber internet?

Shared fiber connections are distributed among multiple users, meaning your bandwidth is shared with others in your area.

Pros of shared fiber connections

  1. Lower cost than DIA

  2. High speeds and low latency similar to dedicated fiber under normal conditions

  3. Faster deployment than dedicated fiber

Cons of shared fiber connections

  1. Bandwidth fluctuates with peak usage times

  2. Less reliable, lacking SLA guarantees

  3. Security risks as connections are shared

  4. Limited scalability for growing needs

Comparison: dedicated vs shared fiber internet

Performance and speed

DIA guarantees full speed anytime. Shared fiber can experience slowdowns during peak hours.

Reliability and security

Dedicated offers maximum reliability and strong security. Shared connections risk congestion and external access vulnerabilities.

Cost considerations

Shared fiber is budget-friendly, while DIA demands a higher investment.

Deployment timelines

Shared connections deploy faster, whereas dedicated lines may take months to install due to custom builds.

Alternatives to fiber internet

Fixed wireless access (FWA)

Uses cellular towers to provide DIA-like speeds with low latency. Ideal for areas lacking fiber infrastructure.

5G and LTE cellular internet

Quick installation, mobile-friendly, and capable of up to 1 Gbps – great for small teams or backup connections.

How hybrid 5G + Starlink + private LTE networks keep remote utilities online

DSL internet

Affordable and widely available but much slower than fiber or cable.

Coax cable broadband

Fast and budget-friendly, though speeds vary with neighborhood usage and it lacks SLA guarantees.

Satellite internet

Accessible anywhere, even in remote locations, but prone to high latency and weather disruptions.

Starlink satellite dish

Microwave links

Uses radio waves for point-to-point connections, offering up to 10 Gbps speeds for inter-site connectivity.

Choosing the right internet solution for your business

Factors to evaluate

Availability

Check if the service is accessible in your area.

Speed requirements

Determine your peak usage needs based on team size and applications.

Data usage

Estimate monthly and annual data needs to avoid throttling or extra charges.

Budget

Balance costs with service quality and long-term value.

Reliability needs

For mission-critical businesses, guaranteed uptime is a priority.

Scalability options

Choose solutions that can grow with your business demands.

Final recommendations

Both shared and dedicated fiber connections have their place depending on your business size, usage intensity, and budget. While DIA provides unmatched performance and security, shared fiber serves businesses with moderate requirements at lower costs. Additionally, alternatives like FWA, LTE/5G, and microwave links offer practical options for specific needs or regions lacking fiber.

Conclusion

High-quality internet is vital for every aspect of modern life, from business operations to daily entertainment. Dedicated fiber offers the pinnacle of reliability and performance, while shared fiber provides a cost-effective solution for many. Evaluate your needs, explore alternatives, and choose wisely to empower your goals.

Shameless Plug:

If you’re evaluating internet options or curious about what truly fits your needs, give it a read. And hey – if you want recommendations for your office connectivity or critical internet setups, shoot us an email anytime at sales@metrowireless.com. We love geeking out about this stuff and making sure your team stays connected at top speed.

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Tyler Hoffman

CEO

Tyler Hoffman serves as the owner and CEO of Metro Wireless, a Detroit-MI based company that delivers better commercial connectivity via wireless solutions to a national client base. He lives in Detroit and holds an MBA from Kellogg @ Northwestern University, and a BBA from Ross @ University of Michigan. His guilty pleasures include craft beer and horror films.

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