A leased line provides dedicated internet access into a property, suitable for handing both voice and data.

You rent a leased line from an internet or telecoms provider. Most dedicated lines are used for high-speed internet connections, although they can be used to link two premises. A leased line is always active, and guarantees a continuously high-quality connection. Making use of fiber optic technology, bandwidth is fully assured, with no loss of speed. To discover whether a leased line is right for your business, and to learn the pros and cons, read on.

What are dedicated lines for?

Leased dedicated lines can be used for a number of functions, including:

• Connecting local area networks and branch offices
• Linking PCs and servers from one location to another
• Carrying voice and video calls
• Sharing IT resources and data between sites
• Enabling remote connections to a head office server
• Connecting to the internet

Who needs a leased line?

If you answer yes to the following questions, then it’s likely a leased line will benefit you:

• Does your business totally rely on the internet?
• If you lost your internet connection, would your business suffer?
• Do you need to connect offices in different locations?

What are the benefits of a dedicated leased line?

There are numerous benefits to investing in a dedicated line. These include:

Reliability

Leased lines provide a consistent and uncontended internet connection 24/7. In other words, you are not competing for speed and reliability with any other party. The connection is yours, and yours alone.

There is no fair usage policy either. You can use as much data as required within your agreed contract.

Support

When an internet connection goes down, it can have disastrous consequences for a business.

A dedicated line comes with a Service Level Agreement (SLA), guaranteeing that any major connectivity issues will be rectified swiftly. Round-the-clock monitoring is included, ensuring that if a line goes down, help can be summoned immediately.

Speed

Dedicated lines allow users to control how the bandwidth is distributed. So your larger files and data packets get the power they need to move quickly through the system, vital if you are using cloud services such as VoIP phones, video conferencing and live streaming.

Security

Because a leased line is dedicated to just the two locations it is connecting, it is known as a dedicated internet access line. This greatly reduces the risk of interception from external sources, so boosting security.

What to consider when taking on a leased line?

There are two main considerations for businesses opting for leased lines.

Firstly, cost. Leased lines are significantly more expensive than other types of connections. You will pay per line, so if you have numerous locations that need dedicated lines, there will be quite a price tag involved.

Secondly, there is usually a fair amount of time to wait for a leased line. This will usually be months rather than weeks. This is because a leased line requires its very own circuit to connect your premises to the network, rather than making use of resources that are already in place.

Of course, it’s a case of weighing up the pros and cons. If your business needs a totally reliable internet connection backed by a Service Level Agreement, then a leased line is probably for you.

Dedicated leased lines from AK Telecom Solutions

At AK Telecom Solutions, we make it our business to ensure you choose the internet service that’s right for you. Whether you opt for a leased line or one of our fiber services, will be down to your individual requirements and budget.

To discuss your specific needs in terms of business internet connectivity, you are welcome to get in touch.