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Connectivity jargon buster: Business internet made simple

Author: Sonia Older  |   Date published: Apr 28, 2022, UK  |   Read est: 6 min read

Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group
Focus Group

Don’t know your VPN from your WAN? Let our connectivity jargon buster help you out! We’re here to explain all the most regularly talked about business internet terms, provide an overview of the key connectivity services and make sure you’re clear on which is the right solution for your business connectivity.

With such an array of acronyms to get your head around, you could not be blamed for feeling bombarded by buzzwords when it comes to key internet terms and phrases. However, you could be holding your business back from achieving its full potential.

What if by simply swatting up on connectivity techy terms, you could unleash new opportunities and make better informed decisions on what solutions you sign up to?

So, let’s unravel connectivity…

Business broadband options

There are a number of different business broadband options available, choosing the right one means knowing the requirements for your business. Let's break down the different types of connections available and what they deliver when each type is deployed.

Business broadband

A business broadband connection is a high-speed internet connection (which is always switched on) that allows the transmission of high-quality data. Broadband connections include WiFi, DSLs, fibre and satellites. Ensuring you have the best business broadband is the key, and the good news is Focus Group can assess and tailor packages that align with your business goals. Whether you choose a future that’s fibre or need to secure wireless business broadband, we’ll keep you connected at all times!

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband uses the mobile phone network to connect you to the internet. It is accessed wirelessly using 3G, 4G or 5G technology. This technology allows internet access on the move in an efficient and secure remote setting, no matter what device you’re working on or where you are located. 5G is the new generation of wireless technology and is intended to be the ultimate in connectivity, delivering higher performance, improved efficiency and empower new user experiences.

Mobile broadband business packages will support your employees on the go, wherever they are regardless of device. And what’s more, mobile connectivity services are robust and secure. From MiFi to data only SIMs and business 4G coverage – mobile broadband is the key to agile working!

Business leased line

In today’s business world, speed is of the essence. A dedicated leased line will deliver ultra-fast, reliable and secure connection, exclusively for your business – no sharing your bandwidth! Even at peak times, a leased line promises uncompromised speeds of up to 10Gbs, no matter what task you’re carrying out. PLUS, there are NO usage limits on the volume of data you can transfer, so you can keep a lid on costs.

SoGEA broadband (single order generic ethernet access)

Business broadband without a phone line. Expect the same performance and data levels as fibre-to-the-cabinet but without the phone line, meaning cost effective broadband with speeds of up to 80Mbs! This connectivity option matches perfectly with a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) business phone solution, such as Focus Horizon or Phoneline+. SoGEA is one line which doesn’t rely on a PSTN line – which is great news since PSTN technology is soon to be null and void shortly. What better time to consider SoGEA broadband? Reliable, cost effective and futureproof – it’s a no brainer for all business types.

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Network connectivity

Ethernet – this is a traditional technology for connecting devices in a wired local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). It enables devices to communicate with each other via a protocol, which is a set of rules or common network language.

LAN (local area network) – LAN is a collection of devices connected together in one physical location, such as a building, office or home. A LAN can be small or large, ranging from a home network with one user to an enterprise-sized network with thousands of users and devices, seen in the likes of an office or school.

WAN (wide area network) – this term refers to a network that extends over a large geographic area that is not tied to a single location. WANs facilitate communication and the sharing of information across the globe – vital for international business and everyday use. However, some legacy WAN connections can prove complicated to maintain, offering low bandwidth and, therefore, inhibiting innovation and growth. This is where you may choose to leverage the benefits of SD-WAN.

SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) - This is a virtual network architecture that has the power to lower operational costs and help ensure high levels of performance for critical applications without compromising on security. It simplifies operations with automation and cloud-based management, increasing agility and optimising user experience with efficiency for software-as-a-service (SaaS) and public cloud applications.

Focus Group SD-WAN solutions put you in control of your business connectivity and transformation with unrivalled network visibility (from a single dashboard) and optimised cloud connectivity – it could be the gamechanger you’re looking for!

VPN (virtual private network) – this gives internet users privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. VPNs disguise IP address so that actions online cannot be traced back to an individual.

Connection options

APN (access point name) - The APN is the name for the settings your phone reads to set up a connection between a mobile network and another computer network, typically the public internet. The information ascertained is then used by the carrier to determine the type of connection needed.

ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) - This is a broadband connection that uses the copper wire system of phone lines, although this is now being superseded by fibre optic lines, which bring about faster speeds, great bandwidth and reliability.

Modem - A modem is quite literally the middleman between your internet connection and WiFi router. It provides your access to the Web but also makes a huge difference in the efficiency of your home WiFi. It receives information from your ISP through phone lines, fibre or cable and converts it into digital signal.

Sonia Older

Sonia Older
Campaign Executive

Sonia Older is the Campaign Manager at Focus Group and a highly experienced copywriter. She boasts over 20 years of experience in content marketing and PR across multiple industries, and is the key driver of content and PR for Focus Group across all UK offices. Away from work, Sonia usually swaps keyboard strokes for ski slopes in the Alps with her family.

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