Ethernet leased lines are a popular choice for businesses due to their reliability and high bandwidth. However, there are several myths surrounding them that may lead some to believe they cannot keep up with today’s connectivity demands. Here, Kristian Torode, Director and Co-Founder of business communication service provider Crystaline, debunks some common misconceptions.
A leased line uses the same technology found in fibre broadband services, however, the key distinction is that the 
connection is leased exclusively to a business by the internet service provider (ISP). This ensures that the connection is unique to that location and not shared with others, meaning that businesses can rely on dedicated internet access that remains unaffected by network traffic from other users.
Optimal bandwidth
One of the misconceptions surrounding leased lines is their bandwidth range being restricted. In fact, one of the biggest advantages of Ethernet leased lines is that they can provide high bandwidth, often ranging from ten Mbps to ten Gbps, sometimes even higher. This high and scalable bandwidth makes Ethernet leased lines suitable for data-intensive applications and ensures that businesses can meet their growing connectivity needs without constraints.
Ultra-low latency
The latency of leased lines is commonly considered less superior than broadband. But this is not the case. Leased lines provide a direct, uncontended link between the business and the service provider — unlike traditional broadband connections that are shared among multiple users.
This exclusivity ensures that data packets travel with minimal delay, resulting in ultra-low latency. Consequently, this makes leased lines ideal for applications that demand real-time responsiveness and rapid data transmission, such as financial trading or cloud services.
Are they more reliable?
With broadband being the most common type of internet connection in the UK, it’s easy for leased lines to be overlooked as less reliable. However, leased lines come with service level agreements (SLAs), that guarantee uptime, performance and response times for issue resolution. BT has a five-hour target fix time as standard on all services, which was rated the third most important reason to choose BTnet.
This makes leased lines more reliable — a crucial element for businesses that require uninterrupted connectivity for their operations. Whereas broadband services do not offer the same level of reliability and SLAs and can take at least a few days to resolve issues. Using BT’s exchange, Crystaline provides Ethernet leased line coverage, with 100 per cent availability, enabling businesses with a dedicated, private point-to-point connection for greater control.
Symmetrical or unsymmetrical speeds
Another myth is that the speed of leased lines is slower compared to broadband, but it’s in fact the opposite. Although it has fast download times, broadband has limited upload capacity, whereas leased lines offer symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Symmetrical upload and download speeds are essential for sharing large files, accessing VPNs and even managing online sales. With unrivalled upload speed, a leased line prevents unnecessary interruption to these types of crucial business activities.
Are they expensive?
While they may have higher initial costs compared to broadband, the total cost of ownership for leased lines often proves to be more cost-effective due to increased reliability and performance, as well as reduced downtime because of less connectivity issues, supported by the SLAs provided.
While connectivity choice will always depend on the individual needs of a business, there is no denying that all modern businesses now require a reliable connection. There are many misconceptions of the functionality and capability of leased lines, but with the need for a connection that supports and enhances a business’ functions, leased lines can be the most appropriate choice.
