Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Internet

When finding the right internet connection for your business, there are a number of things that you will need to take into consideration. There are a number of terms and lexicon that can become confusing while you’re searching for the right internet option for you and two of the key terms that you may come across are symmetrical and asymmetrical internet connections. Both terms relate to internet connectivity, but depict two different systems in relation to their data speed.

Symmetrical Internet Connections

With a symmetrical internet connection you can benefit from a good bandwidth, allowing users to upload to the internet and download at the same time, without experiencing any issues. Quite simply, a symmetrical internet connection allows data speed/quantity to transfer equally with uploads and downloads. Symmetrical connections are generally suited to options like hosted telephony, as uploads and download speeds are consistent and provide excellent audio quality. The main example of a symmetrical internet connection is a leased line, but EFM and EoFTTC are two other popular examples of symmetrical internet connections.

With these, you are able to enjoy uncontended internet connections, meaning you can use the connection as much as you like, when you like, without experiencing any issues. In addition to this, you can also benefit from a private connection and there are a number of helpful support options that come along with this. If your business only needs the internet occasionally, just to surf the web, then you will find that a symmetrical internet connection may not be the right choice for you. They can be expensive, but with leased lines, you will get what you pay for and much more.

If you’re looking to have a fast and reliable internet connection for your business then a symmetrical internet connection such as a leased line is probably the best solution.

Asymmetrical Internet Connections

When using internet in the home, upload speeds are generally a lot slower than download speeds and this is an example of an asymmetrical internet connection. Quite simply, an asymmetrical internet connection means one data speed is better than the other – whether that’s uploads being better than downloads or vice versa. This can be used in a home environment but can be suited to a business environment too, depending on how flexible with the bandwidth your business can afford to be.

Symmetrical connections aren’t always the most efficient option for a business which is why some businesses will turn to asymmetrical connections, but this is totally dependent on an office’s requirements. When using an asymmetrical internet connection, you will find that the performance is highly likely to be contended, as other people are using the internet in your area. However, asymmetrical internet connections are generally a cost-effective solution for businesses that aren’t in need of a private, fast and uncontended connection. If you need to transfer large files, then a symmetrical internet connection may be a better choice for your business.

If you’re unsure what will work better for your business, then make sure that you contact a member of our expert team today, who can provide you with all of the information that you need to help make your internet connection the best it can possibly be for your personal requirements.