 When you are ready to shop around for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) there are certain cabling infrastructures you should be familiar with to make sure you select the right device and cabling for your business needs. Below you will find some options that will keep your network running optimally. Coaxial Cable - This is mainly used for broadband and the transmission of video signals for your cable TV. Providers such as Spectrum, Comcast, and Optimum use these types of cables for home users or very small businesses. The Internet access is "best effort" meaning the speeds are not guaranteed, and usually the download speeds are higher than the upload speeds. Ethernet - This is a type of cable used to connect a LAN (Local Area Network) which are computers and devices that share resources. Ethernet is still widely used to transport Internet Access from the vendor’s equipment to the customer’s premises. RJ-45 - It’s an 8-pin connector that was originally used for phone communications. This interface is now widely used to connect a computer to a LAN. Once an ISP runs Ethernet to your telco room or closet they set up a RJ-45 so you can connect your LAN to it and access the Internet. Fiber vs Copper Handoff - When selecting an Internet Service provider there is usually the choice of Copper or Fiber handoffs. Copper works best in a shorter range (it can go for longer distances with the use of repeaters) and it’s more susceptible to damage than fiber. Still, copper is widely used by companies and it’s the most cost-effective choice. Fiber is a much more robust option, less likely to damage, and can go for a longer range, however, the price tag is not justifiable for many companies. Patch Panel and Patch Cable- To keep your network cables neatly organized a patch panel is imperative. cables can be labeled and kept untangled for easy access and tracking, it is a very important tool for your network’s organization. Patch cables are the same as ethernet cables just a shorter length to connect nearby devices. Repeater and Hub - Repeaters are used to extend a signal to nearby devices. For example, if your Internet Access has a poor signal in an area of your offices, a repeater can be installed to extend the signal further. Hubs on the other hand connect computers so they can share resources such as Internet Access and files. Hubs can also act as repeaters. Switch - Opposed to a hub that only connects computers together a switch has the ability to connect different devices to the network at a higher speed if needed. A switch can also allocate bandwidth so it doesn’t overlap. Router - Routers communicate with your Internet Access and the devices on your network, and routes the service to your different devices. An Internet Service provider may provide a router with your service, usually, it’s a good choice to take this option since the router would be fully managed. If you decide to use your router the ISP won’t be able to troubleshoot your service remotely. If you need expert advice about which type of Firewall you need, by partnering with a solutions provider such as TCI, we can help you vet over 260 vendors nationwide for services such as Cloud, Internet, Voice over IP, Colocation, and many other IT-related services. TCI Provides a No-Cost To-You Offering. To learn more, contact us to set up a discovery meeting or call. Adele Toral has over 20 years of experience in the Telecommunications and IT Industry. She helps clients resolve complex issues while reducing costs. She provides a No-Cost To-You Offering. 
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 In this article, I will go over the best Internet Access service for your business and help you understand the differences between Fiber vs. Cable vs. Satellite vs. Cellular and much more.
 There are many moving parts in the selection of Telecommunications services. Asking the right questions at the start will prevent regrets in the future. Below is a list of the things you should look into before deciding to use a new vendor or upgrade services with a current one. Types of Telecommunications Providers
Criteria to Consider when Selecting a Vendor
Terms & Conditions Most companies neglect to read the fine print on the T&Cs some of the things to look at are:
Technical Checklist for Requesting QuotesInternet Access
Voice VoIP
PRI or SIP Trunks
By partnering with a solutions provider such as TCI, we can help you vet over 260 vendors nationwide for services such as Cloud, Internet, Voice over IP, Colocation, and many other IT-related services. TCI Provides a No-Cost To-You Offering. To learn more, Contact us to set up a discovery meeting or call. Adele Toral has over 20 years of experience in the Telecommunications and IT Industry. She helps clients resolve complex issues while reducing costs. She provides a No-Cost To-You Offering. |
Adele ToralHas over 20 years of experience in the Telecommunications and IT Industry. She helps clients resolve complex issues while reducing costs. |
TCI Toral Communications Inc.