The Final Step

March 2010

ADSL2+ is a new method of providing faster internet access over existing phone lines.

This type of broadband can download up to three times faster than standard ADSL and provides better upload speeds as well. Upload speed is important, as this is often the bottleneck for remote workers who may access head office data. The head office internet connection delivers data to the remote worker via this uplink, and with ADSL2+ this link can also work three times faster than standard ADSL.

Online backup systems also benefit from these faster uploads, as they send your data off-site. Typically, software on your server transfers data across the internet to a hosting centre, and the internet link is usually the limiting factor which restricts how much data is backed up off-site.

You can get the service through BT or various specialist ISPs. Choosing an ISP is driven by several factors, which include:

• How much technical work you want to do for yourself.
• Price - consumer packages are not the same as business packages. For example, traffic is prioritised for business packages.
• Quality of service and support should things go wrong.
• Your requirements - do you need unlimited downloads or IP addresses?

Other types of broadband access include wireless (WIMAX), Virgin Media (fibre optic/cable) and satellite connections.

If you need asistance with any aspects of internet conectivity please contact us. We have worked with several ISPs and can help you to select the right one for you.