Magnet+ is a leading provider of Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), the gold standard for connectivity and security. Unlike standard business broadband or a typical 1GB fibre connection, DIA offers a superior and more reliable solution. To help clarify its benefits, the experts at Magnet+ have put together this article to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about DIA.
What is dedicated internet access?
This is a connectivity solution primarily used by corporate / enterprise level businesses. DIA is delivered via fibre in the ground or wireless through the air and offers exclusive, completely symmetrical and dedicated internet access direct to the communications cabinet in your comms room. This means your connection is 100% yours.
Features of DIA include:
- Customised for you.
- Completely symmetrical.
- 24/7 support
- Static IPs
- Backup / diverse options available
- Robust Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
- No buffering
- DIA provides a guaranteed bandwidth, ensuring that the user has access to the entire bandwidth at all times, resulting in a faster and more reliable performance.
What’s the difference between DIA and regular fibre broadband?
Regular fibre broadband, including 1GB business broadband, provides a service more akin to that which would be used to in your home. This level of broadband is perfectly suitable for a small business with limited bandwidth requirements.
Features of 1GB fibre broadband:
- Low price
- Service can slowdown if multiple cloud-based applications that are being used by multiple users
- Broadband internet is shared among multiple users, which can result in slower performance during peak usage times.
- Backup options available
- Upload and download speeds are not symmetrical
What does symmetrical speed mean?
DIA provides completely symmetrical speed. This means your upload and download speeds are identical. So, for example, you can transfer large files at the same time as holding a video conference.
How can I tell the difference?
You have likely experienced an overloaded 1G fibre business broadband connection in a commercial environment.
One a train: Have you ever been working or trying to watch a video on a train and the connection starts to buffer or drop out? This is because the standard internet connection is shared among multiple users. On a busy train, this type of internet solution will not be able to cope with that level of usage.
In the office: At home you might have four people in the house, each with two devices and so that is eight to ten devices connecting to the 1GB internet connection.
Then take that same internet solution, plug it into an office with 20 people, all of who are using PC’s, using applications like MS Teams for video-conferencing and connecting their phones to the Wi-Fi as well using Wi-Fi enabled printers. The connection will likely be slow and unreliable as it is unsuitable for this level of use.
In a hotel: Most of us have experienced the issue of being unable to access fast, reliable broadband in a hotel lobby or bedroom without having to pay an upcharge. Standard Wi-Fi access is likely a standard fibre broadband connection shared between all the users.
How do I know if I need DIA?
Here are some of the signs that mean it might be time to make the switch to DIA:
- Slowdown of current service due to the number of cloud-based applications that are being used
- Requirement to have internet repaired quickly in the event of failure. The usual stated timeframe for most standard business broadband repair services is 3 days.
- Staff working remotely
- Replacing phone system with a Hosted Voice service
- Increase in connected devices being used in the office
How fast is dedicated internet access?
Depending on your specific needs, DIA bandwidths range between 10Mb and 10Gb, the entire capacity of which is yours to use. As it’s your connection, there are no limits on the volume of data you transfer.
Do I need special equipment for DIA?
No special equipment is required for DIA.
Do all providers offer dedicated internet access?
DIA is a specialist service, and it is not offered by all providers. Magnet+ is a leading provider of Dedicated Internet Access. Our service is international, we deliver adaptive, high-performance dedicated internet access services to businesses and enterprise clients across Ireland, Europe, the US, and beyond.
What does dedicated internet access cost?
Magnet+ can offer a wide range of DIA services which range from around €150 and can go as high as about €2,000 a month depending on business size and requirement.
Why is DIA more expensive than standard broadband?
DIA and a standard 1GB fibre broadband connection are not equivalent services. A DIA connection is a faster, more reliable service. It also:
- Is not shared & is tailormade for your needs.
- Has symmetrical upload and download speeds unlike a standard business broadband connection.
- Delivers more robust security.
- Comes with strictly observed service levels, including 24/7 Dublin-based support and the highest levels of service written into SLAs.
Can I get a wireless DIA connection?
Yes, Magnet+ offers wireless DIA connectivity.
Wireless DIA is a completely private, ultra-fast connection available wherever you are located. Our experts will customise a DIA solution that’s ideally suited for your needs. This means your location and specific requirements will guide whether you’re connected via high-speed wireless in the air, fibre in the ground or a blend of both.
Who do I talk to about switching to DIA?
Visit our Dedicated Internet Access page, where you can submit some basic details about your business’s location and size and we can identify a solution that delivers a stunningly fast and reliable DIA connection.
