Business Internet

Difference Between Business and Residential Internet

It is really tricky to choose the right internet plan for your residence especially if you run a business at home or you are a remote worker with a company. There are so many things to take in to account: How many devices will be connected to the internet? What?s the internet speed that would suit you? Is cost a big factor for you?

If you work from home or have a small business that you run from your house, you?ll have the option to choose whether you want business or residential internet. There are several providers offering services to both business and residential clients, but Spectrum comes to mind first. It is the second largest provider in the U.S. and I can assure you that even if price is not an issue for you, Spectrum internet prices will tempt you into thinking twice.

Business Internet

It is the type of internet that is typically used for conducting business. Obviously it comes with faster and symmetrical upload and download speeds (download and upload speeds are equal), more features than residential internet and fast response customer service. However, all these come at a higher price too.

Residential Internet

The internet connection in the homes of everyone we know is basically residential internet. It typically has slower speeds and unlike business internet, download and upload speeds are asymmetrical.

Which One Do You Need?

In order for you to decide which type of internet connection you need, you?ll first need to assess your usage.

If all your business is conducted from home then you may want to ponder upon getting a business internet connection. Although, if most of your work is clerical with just a few video calls every day, then you should be good with a high-speed residential internet connection.

Business Internet: Pros and Cons

PROS

  • Faster speeds?? Business internet speeds go up to 10 Gbps, whereas residential internet speeds only go up to 1 Gbps
  • Symmetrical speeds?? Matching download and upload speeds translate in to a better connection for sharing documents, video conferencing, etc.
  • Dedicated line?? A dedicated line is when you?re not sharing your cable with anyone in the neighborhood so speeds don?t slow down during peak hours.
  • Static IP address?? A static IP address never changes, so it?s more secure and reliable as compared to dynamic one that changes from time to time.
  • Service level agreement?? SLAs are an outline of performance standards to be maintained by your internet provider and the compensation available if those standards are not met.
  • Customer service?? As business customers are of high priority, providers normally dedicate a 24/7 customer service line for them.

CONS

  • Higher costs?? This is quite obvious if you think about it. With all the pros listed above there is bound to be a higher price tag attached to the service.

How Much Speed Do You Really Need?

Before you decide to switch to business internet, run a speed test on your current internet connection to find out the exact speed you?re receiving. Listing down your online activities would help you figure out how much speed you will actually need for your small business or home office.

If all you do is check e-mails, web browsing, video conferences, website maintenance and social media, then you should stick to a residential connection.

No matter which connection you get, as long as it fulfills your needs it?s all good.