Finding the right information to compare Internet services can be a real challenge for your business. Let LDCircuit ease the process. A connection to the Internet is considered essential for almost every home and business today, but it is a challenge to compare the different types of connections available and factors to consider before getting connected.
There are three main types of connections available for accessing the Internet - this information can help you to start the process to compare Internet services:
Dial-Up connections refer to any circuit that is not permanently connected to the Internet. Dial-up connections are most commonly used for individual or very small office access. These types of connections are typically lower in bandwidth and that circuit is sometimes used to access several different types of services (in addition to the Internet) depending on where the other end of the virtual connection resides. The most common type of dial-up connection would be a second analog line connected to both a fax machine and a computer, where it could be used for either faxing or connecting to an Internet Service Provider.
Switched connections refer to circuits which rely upon switched network topologies to deliver "virtual private line" Internet service. These connections help reduce the monthly local loop charges, as the circuit need only connect to the local serving Central Office. These connections vary in bandwidth speed and connect to the Internet Service Provider via Frame Relay or ATM. As these types of connections rely upon several different networks to deliver service, they are usually only recommended for companies geographically removed from local access.
Dedicated connections refer to any circuit that is permanently connected to some type of Internet access. There are a number of different types of "always-on" connections, ranging from 56K through OC-N connections. As these connections are typically faster than dial-up and require dedicated network resources from the carrier, these types of connections are also more expensive.
Much like Frame Relay, the local telephone company is typically used to provide the physical connection to the Internet Service Provider's Point of Presence (POP). There are two charges associated with every Internet connection: one for the connection to the ISP and the other for usage.
With Dial-up or Switched Service, there are monthly charges for having the line and another charge for monthly access (these costs are typically fixed and billed by two different providers). Dial-up access is typically only available as a portion of a larger project (such as a VPN), should you have questions about dial-up only access, please contact an LDCircuit.com representative directly for availability and details.
The physical connection for a Dedicated circuit is priced just like a Leased Line, in that the cost of an LDC is based primarily upon bandwidth and physical distance (mileage) from the Internet Service Provider's POP. In addition to the physical connection, there is a monthly fee for accessing to the provider's network (this may or may not be usage-based).
With so many different ways to connect to the Internet, LDCircuit.com focuses mainly upon providing dedicated connections. The applications / pricing page will define the types of dedicated connections available and explain how this service is priced, helping you to further compare Internet services.