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Internet Access

Enterprise internet connectivity solutions including dedicated, broadband, and wireless access services with guaranteed performance SLAs.

24/7 network monitoring and NOC
Best Effort Internet
Business broadband and cable internet
Carrier and circuit management
DIA (Dedicated Internet Access)
Internet Aggregation
Market Leaders
GraniteGraniteNtegratedNtegratedLumenLumenMetTelMetTelZayoZayoCrown CastleCrown CastleAT&TAT&TTelstraTelstravCom SolutionsvCom SolutionsStrata NetworksStrata NetworksWiLineWiLineWindstream EnterpriseWindstream EnterpriseRogers CommunicationsRogers CommunicationsTelSynergyTelSynergyTeraGoTeraGoUtah BroadbandUtah BroadbandViasatViasatVocalIPVocalIPSource IncSource IncSummit BroadbandSummit BroadbandS-NET CommunicationsS-NET CommunicationsVyve BroadbandVyve BroadbandStarken TechnologiesStarken TechnologiesWarner TelecommWarner TelecommDigital DirectionDigital DirectioniTeliTeliTel NetworksiTel NetworksT-MobileT-MobileTelesystemTelesystemCentraComCentraComComcast BusinessComcast BusinessFirstDigitalFirstDigitalFrontierFrontierGeoLinksGeoLinksNitelNitelOptimum BusinessOptimum BusinessPCCW GlobalPCCW GlobalPowernetPowernetRise BroadbandRise BroadbandSecurus CommunicationsSecurus CommunicationsStratus NetworksStratus NetworksBeyondReachBeyondReachBridgeConnexBridgeConnexClaro Enterprise SolutionsClaro Enterprise SolutionsCMC NetworksCMC NetworksData2Go WirelessData2Go WirelessEarthlink BusinessEarthlink BusinessEnTelegent SolutionsEnTelegent SolutionsExpereoExpereoGlobalgigGlobalgigGraphene NetworksGraphene NetworksHalo GlobalHalo GlobalMassive NetworksMassive NetworksMosaicMosaicNetWolvesNetWolvesPCCW Global | Console ConnectPCCW Global | Console ConnectSpectrumSpectrumTelefónicaTelefónicaTelefónica Global SolutionsTelefónica Global SolutionsVerizonVerizonVodafoneVodafoneWindstreamWindstreamZeroOutagesZeroOutagesAdaptiv NetworksAdaptiv NetworksAlkiraAlkiraBH IoTBH IoTBluebird FiberBluebird FiberChina Mobile InternationalChina Mobile InternationalChina Telecom AmericasChina Telecom AmericasCirionCirionCologixCologixCoreSiteCoreSiteCox CommunicationsCox CommunicationsDartPointsDartPointsData CanopyData CanopyDatavaletDatavaletEseyeEseyeeStructureeStructureEvocativeEvocativeFatPipeFatPipeGlobal Access NetworksGlobal Access NetworksGTTGTTHGC Global CommunicationsHGC Global CommunicationsHyperion PartnersHyperion PartnersInfinite WirelessInfinite WirelessJuniper NetworksJuniper NetworksKDDIKDDIKinetic BusinessKinetic BusinessLogix Fiber NetworksLogix Fiber NetworksNetralityNetralityNTT DataNTT DataNYINYIOpen SystemsOpen SystemsPilot FiberPilot FiberSkywireSkywireSpectrum Partner ProgramSpectrum Partner ProgramSyringa NetworksSyringa NetworksUnitedLayerUnitedLayerUS SignalUS SignalZenlayerZenlayer123NET123NET1Wire Fiber1Wire FiberAccelecomAccelecomAtlasEdge Data CentersAtlasEdge Data CentersAura WirelessAura WirelessBAI ConnectBAI ConnectBeanfield MetroConnectBeanfield MetroConnectBlue Stream FiberBlue Stream FiberBreezelineBreezelineBrightspeedBrightspeedEverFast FiberEverFast FiberExtenetExtenetEzee FiberEzee FiberFidium Business (Consolidated Communications)Fidium Business (Consolidated Communications)GoNetSpeedGoNetSpeedHawaiian TelcomHawaiian TelcomLightpathLightpathMediaComMediaComMHO NetworksMHO NetworksNatural WirelessNatural WirelessSakonSakonunWired BroadbandunWired BroadbandVsolVsolZentroZentroZiply FiberZiply Fiber
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Bandwidth IGCentersquareCentersquareClaroClaroCloud Tech GuruCloud Tech GuruCyberReef SolutionsCyberReef SolutionsDigital RealtyDigital RealtyeuNetworkseuNetworksFiberLightFiberLightPS LightwavePS LightwavePureportPureportSemtechSemtechTangoeTangoeTowerstreamTowerstreamUtility TelecomUtility TelecomC-SpireC-SpireTPxTPxGraniteGraniteNtegratedNtegratedLumenLumenMetTelMetTelZayoZayoCrown CastleCrown CastleAT&TAT&TTelstraTelstravCom SolutionsvCom SolutionsStrata NetworksStrata NetworksWiLineWiLineWindstream EnterpriseWindstream EnterpriseRogers CommunicationsRogers CommunicationsTelSynergyTelSynergyTeraGoTeraGoUtah BroadbandUtah BroadbandViasatViasatVocalIPVocalIPSource IncSource IncSummit BroadbandSummit BroadbandS-NET CommunicationsS-NET CommunicationsVyve BroadbandVyve BroadbandStarken TechnologiesStarken TechnologiesWarner TelecommWarner TelecommDigital DirectionDigital DirectioniTeliTeliTel NetworksiTel NetworksT-MobileT-MobileTelesystemTelesystemCentraComCentraComComcast BusinessComcast BusinessFirstDigitalFirstDigitalFrontierFrontierGeoLinksGeoLinksNitelNitelOptimum BusinessOptimum BusinessPCCW GlobalPCCW GlobalPowernetPowernetRise BroadbandRise BroadbandSecurus CommunicationsSecurus CommunicationsStratus NetworksStratus NetworksBeyondReachBeyondReachBridgeConnexBridgeConnexClaro Enterprise SolutionsClaro Enterprise SolutionsCMC NetworksCMC NetworksData2Go WirelessData2Go WirelessEarthlink BusinessEarthlink BusinessEnTelegent SolutionsEnTelegent SolutionsExpereoExpereoGlobalgigGlobalgigGraphene NetworksGraphene NetworksHalo GlobalHalo GlobalMassive NetworksMassive NetworksMosaicMosaicNetWolvesNetWolvesPCCW Global | Console ConnectPCCW Global | Console ConnectSpectrumSpectrumTelefónicaTelefónicaTelefónica Global SolutionsTelefónica Global SolutionsVerizonVerizonVodafoneVodafoneWindstreamWindstreamZeroOutagesZeroOutagesAdaptiv NetworksAdaptiv NetworksAlkiraAlkiraBH IoTBH IoTBluebird FiberBluebird FiberChina Mobile InternationalChina Mobile InternationalChina Telecom AmericasChina Telecom AmericasCirionCirionCologixCologixCoreSiteCoreSiteCox CommunicationsCox CommunicationsDartPointsDartPointsData CanopyData CanopyDatavaletDatavaletEseyeEseyeeStructureeStructureEvocativeEvocativeFatPipeFatPipeGlobal Access NetworksGlobal Access NetworksGTTGTTHGC Global CommunicationsHGC Global CommunicationsHyperion PartnersHyperion PartnersInfinite WirelessInfinite WirelessJuniper NetworksJuniper NetworksKDDIKDDIKinetic BusinessKinetic BusinessLogix Fiber NetworksLogix Fiber NetworksNetralityNetralityNTT DataNTT DataNYINYIOpen SystemsOpen SystemsPilot FiberPilot FiberSkywireSkywireSpectrum Partner ProgramSpectrum Partner ProgramSyringa NetworksSyringa NetworksUnitedLayerUnitedLayerUS SignalUS SignalZenlayerZenlayer123NET123NET1Wire Fiber1Wire FiberAccelecomAccelecomAtlasEdge Data CentersAtlasEdge Data CentersAura WirelessAura WirelessBAI ConnectBAI ConnectBeanfield MetroConnectBeanfield MetroConnectBlue Stream FiberBlue Stream FiberBreezelineBreezelineBrightspeedBrightspeedEverFast FiberEverFast FiberExtenetExtenetEzee FiberEzee FiberFidium Business (Consolidated Communications)Fidium Business (Consolidated Communications)GoNetSpeedGoNetSpeedHawaiian TelcomHawaiian TelcomLightpathLightpathMediaComMediaComMHO NetworksMHO NetworksNatural WirelessNatural WirelessSakonSakonunWired BroadbandunWired BroadbandVsolVsolZentroZentroZiply FiberZiply Fiber
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Bandwidth IGCentersquareCentersquareClaroClaroCloud Tech GuruCloud Tech GuruCyberReef SolutionsCyberReef SolutionsDigital RealtyDigital RealtyeuNetworkseuNetworksFiberLightFiberLightPS LightwavePS LightwavePureportPureportSemtechSemtechTangoeTangoeTowerstreamTowerstreamUtility TelecomUtility TelecomC-SpireC-SpireTPxTPx
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Internet Access Buying Guide

What is Internet Access?

Internet Access refers to the methods and technologies that enable users and organizations to connect to the global internet network. While often thought of as a service (provided by Internet Service Providers or ISPs), the "software" aspect in this category pertains to the tools, protocols, and, less commonly, client-side applications that facilitate, manage, secure, and optimize that physical connection. This category broadly encompasses technologies that allow devices to transmit and receive data over the internet, ranging from basic connectivity to advanced network management and security solutions.

Key Considerations When Evaluating Solutions

When assessing different internet access solutions, buyers should carefully consider the following factors to ensure they choose the most appropriate and cost-effective option for their needs:

Performance Requirements (Speed & Latency)

  • Download/Upload Speed: How much bandwidth is truly needed for daily operations, peak usage, and future growth? Consider symmetrical vs. asymmetrical speeds.
  • Latency (Ping): Crucial for real-time applications like VoIP, video conferencing, and online gaming. Lower latency is generally better.
  • Service Level Agreements (SLAs): What guarantees does the provider offer for uptime, speed, and issue resolution?

Reliability and Uptime

  • Redundancy: Does the solution offer failover mechanisms (e.g., dual ISPs, automatic cellular backup) to prevent service interruptions?
  • Network Resilience: What is the provider's track record for reliability? Are there documented uptime statistics?
  • Support and Maintenance: What kind of technical support is available (24/7, phone, email, chat) and what are response times?

Security Features

  • Built-in Firewalls: Does the solution include or integrate with robust firewall capabilities?
  • DDoS Protection: Is there protection against Distributed Denial of Service attacks?
  • VPN Support: Can the connection be easily integrated with Virtual Private Networks for secure remote access?
  • Content Filtering/Web Security: Are tools available to block malicious websites or undesirable content?
  • IP Address Management: Static vs. dynamic IPs, IP address blacklisting.

Scalability and Flexibility

  • Upgrade Paths: How easy is it to increase bandwidth or add new services as needs evolve?
  • Geographic Availability: Is the service available at all required locations, especially for multi-site organizations?
  • Contract Terms: Length of contracts, early termination fees, and flexibility to change plans.

Cost (Total Cost of Ownership)

  • Monthly/Annual Fees: Transparent pricing for bandwidth, features, and additional services.
  • Installation Fees: One-time costs for setup and equipment.
  • Hardware Costs: Routers, modems, switches, and other necessary equipment.
  • Hidden Fees: Data caps, overage charges, and other potential extra costs.

Management and Reporting

  • Management Portal: Is there an intuitive web-based interface or API for managing the connection and associated services?
  • Usage Reporting: Can you monitor data usage, bandwidth consumption, and network performance?
  • Alerting: Does the system notify you of issues or performance degradation?

Common Use Cases

Internet access solutions are fundamental across a vast range of scenarios:

  • Business Operations: Providing connectivity for employees, cloud applications (SaaS), data transfer, email, and internal communication systems.
  • Remote Work/Hybrid Work: Enabling secure and reliable home internet connections for employees, often through VPNs or SD-WAN overlays.
  • Branch Office Connectivity: Connecting multiple physical business locations to a central network or to each other.
  • Guest Wi-Fi: Offering internet access to customers or visitors in commercial premises, retail, hospitality, or public venues.
  • IoT Device Connectivity: Providing internet access for smart devices, sensors, and M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communication in industrial, agricultural, or smart city applications.
  • E-commerce & Online Services: Hosting websites, processing transactions, and delivering digital content to customers.
  • Media Streaming & Entertainment: Delivering video-on-demand, live streaming, and online gaming content to users.
  • Education & Research: Providing internet access for students, faculty, and researchers for learning, collaboration, and data access.
  • Backup & Disaster Recovery: Utilizing secondary internet connections for failover in case of primary network outages.
  • Managed IT Services: Service providers offering and managing internet access as part of a broader IT solution for their clients.

Technical Requirements

Before committing to an internet access solution, evaluate the following technical considerations:

Network Infrastructure Compatibility

  • Existing Hardware: Will the new connection interface seamlessly with current routers, firewalls, and switches?
  • Cabling: What type of cabling is needed (Ethernet, Fiber Optic, Coaxial) and is the infrastructure in place or will it require significant upgrades?
  • IP Addressing Scheme: Will the provider accommodate specific IP addressing needs (e.g., static public IPs, specific subnet requirements)?

Integration Capabilities

  • VPN Support: Does the solution support common VPN protocols (IPsec, OpenVPN, SSL VPN)?
  • SD-WAN Integration: Can it be easily integrated into a Software-Defined Wide Area Network strategy for advanced routing and traffic management?
  • Cloud Connectivity: Direct peering options or optimized pathways to major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP).

Security Posture

  • Firewall Capabilities: What level of firewall inspection and control is offered (stateful, deep packet inspection)?
  • Port Management: Ability to open/close specific ports as required for applications.
  • Authentication Protocols: Support for various authentication methods for network access.

Performance Factors

  • Minimum Bandwidth: What is the absolute minimum bandwidth required for critical applications?
  • QoS (Quality of Service): Can traffic be prioritized to ensure critical applications (e.g., VoIP, video conferencing) receive adequate bandwidth?
  • Jitter and Packet Loss: How does the solution perform concerning consistency of packet delivery, especially for real-time applications?

Management & Monitoring Tools

  • SNMP Support: Can the connection be monitored via standard network management protocols?
  • API Access: Is there an API for programmatic control and integration with internal systems?
  • Log Management: Does the solution provide detailed logs for troubleshooting and auditing?

Implementation Considerations

The successful deployment of internet access involves more than just signing a contract. Buyers should plan for:

Installation and Configuration

  • Site Survey: Does the provider need to perform a site survey to determine feasibility and optimal installation points?
  • Professional Installation: Will the provider handle the physical installation, cabling, and basic configuration, or is it a self-install model?
  • Configuration Complexity: How much technical expertise is required to configure routers, firewalls, and other connected devices?
  • Timing: What are the expected lead times for installation and activation?

Testing and Verification

  • Speed Tests: Thoroughly test download, upload, and latency speeds using multiple tools and during peak hours.
  • Application Testing: Verify that critical business applications function correctly and efficiently over the new connection.
  • Failover Testing: If redundant connections are implemented, test the failover mechanisms to ensure they work as expected.

Network Integration

  • IP Address Transition: Plan for any changes to internal IP addressing schemes if moving to a new provider or service.
  • DNS Configuration: Update DNS records for any internet-facing services.
  • Firewall Rules: Adjust existing firewall rules to accommodate the new internet connection and provider.
  • VPN Endpoints: Reconfigure VPN tunnels to point to the new public IP address if applicable.

Training and Documentation

  • User Training: If new features or management interfaces are introduced, ensure relevant staff are trained.
  • Documentation: Create clear internal documentation of the network configuration, provider contacts, and account details.

Ongoing Management and Support

  • Monitoring Tools: Implement internal and external monitoring to track connection performance and uptime.
  • Support Contacts: Ensure easy access to the provider's technical support team and escalate procedures.
  • Billing Review: Regularly review invoices for accuracy and usage charges.
  • Performance Reviews: Periodically review the service's performance against SLAs and evolving business needs.

Questions to Ask Vendors

Engaging with vendors effectively requires asking targeted questions to uncover critical information.

  • "What specific technologies do you use to deliver internet access (e.g., Fiber, Cable, DSL, Satellite, Fixed Wireless, 5G) and which are available at my location(s)?"
  • "Can you provide a detailed Service Level Agreement (SLA) that outlines guaranteed uptime, response times for outages, and performance metrics? What penalties apply if SLAs are not met?"
  • "What are your typical latency and jitter figures for our geographic area, especially during peak demand?"
  • "What security features are included by default (e.g., basic firewall, DDoS protection), and what advanced security options are available (e.g., managed firewall, content filtering, threat detection)?"
  • "Do you offer redundant connection options, such as multi-ISP solutions or automatic cellular failover, and how are these managed?"
  • "What is the total cost of ownership, including one-time installation fees, equipment costs, recurring monthly charges, and any potential overage fees or hidden costs?"
  • "Can you provide detailed usage reports and performance monitoring tools? Is there an API for integrating this data into our existing network management systems?"
  • "What is your customer support structure? Is 24/7 technical support available, and what are the average response times for critical issues?"
  • "What are the contract terms, including length, options for scaling bandwidth up or down, and early termination policies?"
  • "How quickly can you provision service at our location(s), and what is the typical installation process like from order to activation?"
  • "Do you offer static IP addresses? If so, how many are included, and what is the cost for additional ones?"
  • "Can you integrate with SD-WAN solutions, and do you have partnerships or preferred configurations with specific SD-WAN vendors?"
  • "What is your policy regarding data caps or traffic shaping? Will our connection be throttled at any point?"
  • "Can you provide references from businesses in a similar industry or with similar network requirements?"

Market Leaders

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