When you are trying to source the best suited broadband connection for your business the terminology used can be a bit of a minefield. Let’s take a look at the terminology used when discussing broadband speeds and what these terms mean in relation to your business connection.
Measuring Internet Speeds
Broadband speeds are measured in ‘megabits per second’, often shortened to Mb/s or Mbit/s. In the last couple of years, with the introduction of Full Fibre broadband and capability to deliver even faster speeds we also use the term ‘gigabits per second’, shortened to Gb/s or Gbit/s. Bits are units of data, with a megabit representing a million bits and a gigabit representing 1000 megabits.
You can check your current Internet speed using our Speed Checker.
You can check your current Internet speed using our Speed Checker.
What is Superfast Broadband?
The term ‘Superfast’ is used to describe a broadband connection offering speeds over 30Mb/s. Superfast broadband is typically provided by a Standard Fibre (FTTC) connection, meaning that whilst fibre cable delivers connectivity from the exchange to your nearest street cabinet, traditional copper cable then delivers connectivity into your premises. Copper cabling provides more potential for signal loss than fibre cabling. A superfast broadband connection would be capable of supporting a small business with 1 or 2 employees that do not heavily use their Internet Connection.
What is Ultrafast Broadband?
The term ‘Ultrafast’ refers to a broadband connection offering speeds of over 300Mb/s. Ultrafast broadband is typically delivered over a FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) connection. With ultrafast broadband pages load significantly quicker than older FTTC connections.
Ultrafast broadband is is capable of keeping multiple employees online and supporting remote working infrastructure for the majority of SME's.
Ultrafast broadband is is capable of keeping multiple employees online and supporting remote working infrastructure for the majority of SME's.
What is Hyperfast Broadband?
Hyperfast broadband is the term used to identify any connection that provides speeds of over 500Mb/s. Hyperfast broadband is typically delivered using fibre optic cables for the entirety of the journey from local exchange to your premises. Hyperfast broadband is capable of supporting a greater number of employees, cloud services, communications and remote working. Hyperfast broadband speeds can be provided by FTTP products (Full Fibre) or leased lines.
