EFM Connection
What is EFM?
Ethernet First Mile uses existing copper pairs which are bonded at the exchange and at your premises using terminating equipment to present a single Ethernet connection. This provides a fast (up to 35Mbps) and reliable service which is more cost effective than traditional leased lines and smaller fibre circuits.
Because it uses existing copper infrastructure, in most cases there is considerably less chance of an Ethernet First Mile service requiring civil engineering works and associated costs to install it.
As well as a Service Level Agreement, EFM connections come with a fixed IP address along with a managed router and choice of backup options. Ethernet First Mile can be used as a standalone internet connection or as part of an MPLS or VPLS Wide Area Network (WAN). With incredible costs, uncontended bandwidth and symmetrical speeds, this is the best product on the market if a leased line is out of your reach!
Our Pricing
Upto 10Mb EFM Starting from:
£125.00per month
- Dedicated EFM line for your business
- Symmetrical upload & download speeds
- Delivered over 2 copper pairs
- 7 hour fault fix time
- Pricing excludes vat
Upto 20Mb EFM Starting from:
£149.00per month
- Dedicated EFM line for your business
- Symmetrical upload & download speeds
- Delivered over 4 copper pairs
- 7 hour fault fix time
- Pricing excludes vat
Upto 25Mb EFM Starting from:
£190.00per month
- Dedicated EFM line for your business
- Symmetrical upload & download speeds
- Delivered over 6 copper pairs
- 7 hour fault fix time
- Pricing excludes vat
Upto 35Mb EFM Starting from:
£225.00per month
- Dedicated EFM line for your business
- Symmetrical upload & download speeds
- Delivered over 8 copper pairs
- 7 hour fault fix time
- Pricing excludes vat
Ethernet First Mile Benefits
EFM stands for Ethernet in the First Mile. The First mile of the circuit is the link between the end user and the public network. It’s in this segment that most bottlenecks occur. The main objective is to improve the effectiveness of this portion of the circuit for enhanced connectivity and resilience. This technology can be used on fibre circuits, but more commonly utilises existing copper circuits. ‘EFM over copper’ works by sending electrical signals over copper wires to deliver speeds of up to 35 Mbps.
Network operators will provide at least 2 and up to as many as 8 copper pairs. Bandwidth requirements and the distance between premises and the main exchange determine the number of copper pairs to be used. This is why the costs vary so much geographically, and why it’s not available in some areas.
The use of multiple lines is one of the main selling points of EFM. If one individual line fails, connection will still be maintained albeit at a lower throughput. Therefore you business will never be without a reliable stable connection.
EFM circuits are backed by a 99.9 % SLA (Service Level Agreement) The need for fast reliable network services is growing all the time, together with the need for lower pricing. EFM takes business broadband to the next level as it enables the support of IP VPNs and VoIP as well as hosted cloud services, yet remains a cost effective alternative to a leased line together with the added benefit of shorter installation times. This is down to the utilisation of existing copper wires.
Prices can sometimes be up to 50% cheaper than a leased line and services can usually be up and operational anywhere between 20 and 65 working days.
For businesses who want a high speed network connection at a very reasonable price without compromising the quality of the service and connection, then EFM is the best option as it provides reliable connectivity making this connection appropriate for small and large business and also individual use.
Symmetric Bandwidth
EFM comes with bandwidth which is totally symmetrical meaning your upload and downloads speeds will be completely the same.
Dedicated Bandwidth
The bandwidth that comes with this technology is dedicated which makes it ideal for businesses sick of being on contended services such as broadband where your connection is shared.
Costs
With pricing sometimes as much as 50% cheaper than a leased line but still maintaining all the benefits, this technology is the best for those that do not have the higher budget.
Service Level Agreement
With a 4 hour response, 6 hour fix Service Level Agreement as standard, you can rest assured that your connection will be fixed in a timely manner. It also comes with 24/7 support as standard!
Speeds
With speeds on this product ranging from 2Mb to 35Mb there is surely a speed suitable for every business. The closer you are to the exchange, the faster you will be able to go.
Ideal for VoIP, Cloud services etc
Services such as VoIP or cloud based services are vastly improved due to the result of EFM’s symmetrical and dedicated nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Receive EFM?
EFM availability is based on your location and proximity to an enabled exchange. The closer you are, the more speed you will get. Contact us for more details on availability.
How Many IP Addresses Do I Get?
As many as you want as long as you can justify your requirement but 4 come as standard. RIPE justification may be required.
How Reliable Is It?
EFM is extremely resilient. If you lose connectivity on one copper pair, the other pairs remain live. For example, on a 4 Pair service, you retain 75% bandwidth if connectivity is lost on one pair.
What Are The Key Benefits?
With dedicated symmetrical bandwidth, an uncontended 1:1 service, 99.99% uptime, 7 hour SLA along with it being a fully managed service with 24/7 support 365 days a year, Top that off with very cheap pricing, what not to like?
What Is The Delivery Time?
EFM is a service that needs to be provisioned on the local telecoms network. Standard delivery time is 20-65 working days, subject to location.
What Contract Terms Are Available?
This product is available on 1,2 or 3 year terms but as always, you will get the best pricing including a free install on the longer term. Please ask for more details.
EFM Vs Other Products
Overview
