Business doesn’t wait. That’s why you need fast Internet installation when it’s time to hook up to a local service or upgrade your existing service. But how much time does it take, and what is involved, to get your Internet connection up and running? The option you choose will determine how much time you can expect to pass before your connection will be fully ready.
Cable / DSL Internet
DSL broadband Internet is available through existing landline telephone cables. DSL speeds average around 10-25 Mbps, and are an affordable option for light to medium Internet use. Cable Internet is available to businesses that are within reach of the ISP’s underground coaxial cable network. It’s typically a faster option than DSL, and better for video conferencing, large file uploads, and multiple devices.
Since most buildings are wired for telephone service, DSL is a fast Internet installation option. Simply acquire service from a local ISP, and plug your computer into an existing telephone service jack. Cable Internet service travels through the same copper cable lines that deliver cable television, so it’s available in most areas. Depending on your building, you may or may not have an existing cable connection.
If a previous tenant had a cable Internet connection, the existing system can likely be used again. Simply obtain service from a local ISP and connect your computer network to the closest cable outlet. If your building is not wired for cable, it will require the installation of cables to the desired outlet locations throughout the building.
It may also require running a new cable infrastructure from the closest cable node to your building. If this is necessary, the costs and timeline will vary depending on distance and barriers to running the cable to your company location. Completing the installation could take a few weeks to a few months.
Fiber-Optic Internet
Fiber is slowly but steadily becoming available in more areas across the US, as more ISPs complete the necessary infrastructure buildout. Fiber-optic cables are cheaper, weigh less, and are easier to maintain than standard cable lines, and data is transmitted as small beams of light, allowing information to move further and faster than ever before.
If your ISP offers fiber to the premises (FTTP), your business Internet installation will run and connect the cable directly to your company building. It will then be routed to your indoor network terminal. If your ISP offers fiber to the node (FTTN), the fiber cable only reaches a nearby hub. The distance from the hub to your building will be either require a new run of fiber cable, or you will be connected to the hub with traditional cable/DSL lines.
If your company occupies a building with an existing fiber infrastructure, the setup and connection process will be simpler and faster, depending on the ISP’s scheduling. You could be up and running within 2-3 weeks.
If new fiber cable must be laid to reach your building, then the timeline is significantly longer. Depending on the time required to obtain work permits, dig the necessary trenches, lay the cable, make the required connections, configure the cabling and network within your building, and complete the entire operation, installation can take as long as 90 days. It’s not uncommon to wait for months for a fiber connection to reach your site.
Fixed Wireless Internet
When your business needs fast Internet installation, the fastest option is Fixed Wireless. A fixed wireless network can be installed much faster than building fiber or cable connections. Within 10 business days of obtaining the rights to place the necessary equipment on the roof of your business, MHO guarantees that your fixed wireless fast Internet installation will be completed.
The fixed wireless radio equipment is securely installed on your roof and then fine-tuned toward MHO's closest tower site. Next, a connecting cable is routed into the building to an indoor unit (IDU), and this is connected to your router. After a thorough test of the entire system, your fast Internet installation is complete and you are ready to do business.
That’s it. Bandwidth starts at 30 Mbps and is scalable to your needs within hours, not days or weeks. Adverse weather or local construction will not endanger your Internet connection, and radio connections transmit data securely and with extremely low latency.
Making Your Choice for Fast Internet Installation
Your business’ needs will determine which choice for fast Internet installation is right for you, as well as the availability of services in your area. MHO has developed a handy Internet Decision Tree to help companies with the considerations they should have in mind when choosing an Internet solution.
For more information about each fast Internet installation option available in your area, or help with making the best choice for your company, contact MHO today.
