Your business depends on your internet connection, so you need to be sure that you choose the right solution. However, this is difficult when faced with technical jargon and acronyms. We wanted to help you make sense of it all, so you can be confident in your decisions.
What is the difference between broadband and fibre broadband?
Broadband is the common name we give to internet access regardless of the technology that it’s delivered over. If you want to get a bit more technical, basic broadband is delivered over copper wires.
Fibre Broadband works in essentially the same way, but uses fibre-optic cable to deliver the service. As the signals can travel at the speed of light, both download and upload speeds are significantly quicker than standard broadband.
What does ADSL and ADSL 2+ mean?
ADSL or ADSL2+ are names for broadband, delivered via copper wires. ADSL2+ is a superior version which provides a more stable connection and slightly quicker speeds.
What is FTTC and how does it work?
FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) is the name for fibre broadband, where just a portion of the connection is through fibre-optic cables and the remainder is copper wires. For FTTC, the final part of the connection (which runs from the green BT street cabinet to your business or home) uses standard copper in the same way as ADSL (standard broadband).
FTTC provides a significantly quicker download and upload speed than ADSL/ ADSL 2+, meaning that work can be completed faster. This is particularly important for businesses operating cloud based applications, or who are undergoing the process of digital transformation.
Nowadays, FTTC is widely available – a simple postcode check can determine whether this is available in your area.
What is FTTP and how does it work?
FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) is the name for fibre broadband, where the entire connection is via fibre-optic cables.
FTTP offers even greater download and upload speeds than the FTTC option, but is less widely available. Again, a simple postcode check would determine whether you can have FTTP broadband at your premises.
How do I know what’s right for my business?
The right solution for your business will be influenced by a number of factors including how much your business and applications rely on the internet.
Download our product guide to view the various available options, or if you would prefer to speak to someone about your needs and what’s available in your area, contact our team of experts.
