The question “Ethernet First Mile or Bonded Broadband” is still surfacing throughout the information technology world.

Installation Lead Time

Ethernet First Mile (EFM) and Bonded ADSL (BB) both use existing copper wire technology, and this allows for speedier installation times compared with copper or fibre leased lines. If existing copper wire exists from the local POP to your place of business, then you could probably have either one of these technologies installed within three to five weeks. However, if your business already has existing active PTSN lines (phone lines) and an active ADSL subscription on these lines, then it is possible to bond these lines almost immediately allowing for a bandwidth increase without the extended wait. In addition to this, if you only have active PSTNs with no ADSL subscription, then you have one other option, and that is to “Fast-track” an ADSL installation on each line required. Then you could be up-and-running with BB within 48 hours.

Internet Connection Speeds

Bonded ADSL offers speeds of up to 80Mbps downstream and up to 10Mbps upstream. This speed however, is completely determined by each individual ADSL line applied to the bonded circuit. The disadvantage of this method means that in the event one or more of the lines decrease in speed, it will reflect immediately on the entire bonded circuit. EFM on the other hand offers fix speeds from 1Mbps to 20Mbps. Therefore, if you purchase a 12Mbps EFM circuit, you will receive a guaranteed bandwidth of 12Mbps symmetric upstream/downstream at all times.

Manageability

EFM requires little to none in the way of management, basically switch on and forget. BB on the other hand requires a little more attention; in the event of any speed fluctuation, the bonded circuit will have to be rebalanced. This can either be scheduled or managed manually by some internet service providers (ISPs). Rebalancing will require some push and pull speed testing that will result in loss of bandwidth during the rebalancing process.

Availability

EFM is becoming more readily available throughout the UK. However, EFM may not be available in all areas. BB on the other hand only requires active ADSL subscriptions to bond to. Therefore wherever ADSL is available, bonded broadband will also be available.

Resilience & Reliability

BB can utilise up to 8 lines, or even more according to some ISPs. Businesses can also subscribe to different ISPs per individual ADSL line, allowing for greater resilience in the event on or more of the services should fail. If one line drops off completely, the circuit will still remain active and complete, the only difference will be a slight drop in speed. EFM on the other hand can only be judged on its impeccable reliability record and the fact that less equipment is required to terminate the connections.

Cost

EFM does have costly setup costs, but most ISPs are offering free install for 3 year term contracts. Not all ISPs are offing free setup on BB installs. Subscription costs vary immensely for BB and rely on certain components being in situ prior to the bonding aspect being applied. EFM on the other hand has more consistent pricing.

Summary

Typically Bonded ADSL can be more expensive than Ethernet in the Frist Mile Leased Line, but maybe the only option available to you in your area. Be very careful making the decision on whether to go for EFM or BB, in particular; the number of lines involved when bonding is required as this may cost in excess £100+ per month compared to EFM Lease Lines. If an immediate bandwidth increase is required to stabilise your workforce’s internet speed requirements, then bonding will probably be the quickest solution. Bonded ADSL will require daily performance management, so be prepared for some “extra skills” requirements unless you are prepared to pay an extra fee for ISP management. Although some ISPs incorporate this service within their package deal and is included in the monthly subscription fee. If in any doubt, hire a professional consultant; the consultation fee may well be a worthwhile investment compared to the incorrect service being chosen.

Ewen Edward-Smith, Managing Director of Endrick IT, Glasgow, UK. For further information on Bonded ADSL or Leased Lines click on the links.
You can also visit our Leased Line blog.

Ewen Edward-Smith, Managing Director of Endrick IT, Glasgow, UK. Visit http://www.endrickit.com/blog for more information on Leased Lines and bonded adsl or visit http://www.endrickit.com/leased-line.aspx for leased line costs or Bonded ADSL at http://www.endrickit.com/bonded-broadband.aspx.

Author Bio: Ewen Edward-Smith, Managing Director of Endrick IT, Glasgow, UK. For further information on Bonded ADSL or Leased Lines click on the links.
You can also visit our Leased Line blog.

Category: Computers and Technology
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