Whether you're thinking about upgrading your Internet connection or just want to know the difference between full fibre broadband and a leased line, here's our simple breakdown.
There are some clear differences between full-fibre broadband and leased lines.
| Broadband | Leased Lines | |
|---|---|---|
| Contention | Line shared with neighbours | Dedicated line, just for you |
| Peak-time speed | Can slow down | Consistent, 24/7 |
| Speed type | Usually asymmetric* | Symmetric |
| Reliability | Variable | High & consistent |
| Guaranteed SLA | No | Yes |
| Repair targets | Best effort | 6-hour |
| Scalable | Limited | Yes |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Installation time | Mixed | Mixed |
| Suitable for | Light business use | Medium/heavy use |
*Symmetric means matching upload and download speeds. Symmetric broadband is coming soon, but at extra cost and still without all the other benefits of a leased line.
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Broadband, by definition, shares one line between many users. A leased line is dedicated solely to you.
Broadband contention ratios vary and often worsen as more users are added (although providers do have a say over oversubscribed lines become). Leased lines are always uncontended, 1:1.
Broadband slows at peak times, evenings for homes, mid-morning or afternoon for businesses. Leased lines stay consistent all day.
Broadband is usually offered asymmetric (favouring downloads over uploads) although symmetric options are slowly starting to roll out. Leased lines always offer full, matching upload and download speeds.
Broadband faults can strike anywhere on the shared network. Leased lines run on their own circuit, with an optional secondary line for near-instant failover.
Broadband is best-effort, with no guarantees. Leased lines come with a contractual SLA covering speeds, uptime and fix times.
Broadband faults are fixed on a best-effort basis, often within days. Leased lines carry contractual repair targets, typically within hours.
Broadband installs within days using existing infrastructure. A new leased line can sometimes take weeks, although nearby existing fibre can speed things up.
Broadband is cheaper since costs are shared. Leased lines cost more for a dedicated, guaranteed fibre, as well as a custom install.
Broadband is capped by shared infrastructure. Leased lines can usually scale on the same circuit as you grow.
For more information, visit our Internet Access page or contact us with your questions.
Book an exploratory, no obligation call, to discuss your connectivity.
