Follow Shaun Linkedin Facebook
Email Shaun Email
Financial
Mar 15, 2015

New Math: Why 3 x 3 Is Greater Than 50 x 5

Sponsored Content provided by Shaun Olsen - CEO & Founder, CloudWyze

A tech-savvy executive approached me recently to ask about Internet service. He was confused, it turns out, by the numbers being advertised. How could he know what Internet service to buy for his company? What’s going to be faster?

I had two questions: What are you using the Internet to do, and how do you like what you have now?

The second part was easy – he had business class service from the cable company, a 50 x 5 package.

“That’s fast, right? Compared to yours, I mean,” he asked.

“You can answer that yourself,” I said. “Is your Internet fast? And is it reliable?”

He just laughed. “Sometimes,” he said.

When companies are trying to determine what Internet speed they need, they often get caught up in the speeds-and-feeds without really understanding what the numbers mean. So let’s dissect this.

What do the numbers mean?

Whenever you’re talking to your ISP, you’ll hear different numbers tossed out. The first is the download speed – the rate at which you can download files, images, videos and similar files. The second number is your upload speed – the rate at which you can upload information. So a 50 x 5 means you have 50 megabits per second for download, and five megabits per second for uploads – in other words, you can download a whole lot faster than you can upload.

This is absolutely appropriate for streaming Netflix or gaming, but in business, you’re likely to send as much as you take. Often, you’ll send more – especially if you’re working in the cloud.

Of course, actually receiving that “50 x 5” is another question entirely. You see, you share your Internet pipe with others in your area. They might be using Xbox, Pandora, video or chat services that make them bandwidth hogs. And the more they use, the less you’ll get.

The ISP is not obligated to actually deliver either the 50 or the 5. This “best effort” package means they’ll do their best to make that amount of bandwidth available to you. It doesn’t mean you’ll get it. Nor does it mean that you’ll absolutely get more if you pay for more.

Run a speed check on your PC at different times throughout the day – you’ll be able to see exactly what kind of throughput you’re getting. If you’re a regular user of Dropbox, for example, you’ll likely find that all your users are slowed once you upload big files because all will automatically be sent that file.

The difference dedication makes

When talking about a symmetrical 5 x 5 or 10 x 10 or 20 x 20, we’re talking about dedicated Internet access. It’s yours – you do not share it with anyone else. It’s like having an Internet of your own.

Doing business today means you must rely on your Internet. It has to work, or you don’t. Doing away with speed fluctuation and outages may not be worth the extra cost for your home, but what is the value of knowing, for sure, that your Internet will be available when it’s needed it at the office?

Shaun Olsen is the CEO and President of CloudWyze. CloudWyze was created to help businesses focus and perform at their optimal level by crafting and executing custom technology plans for businesses of every type and size. To learn more about CloudWyze, visit www.CloudWyze.com. Shaun can be reached at [email protected] or 910-795-1000.

Other Posts from Shaun Olsen

Bizjournalad300×250px
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Jenniferadams

Coming Soon: Wilmington's Newest Wastewater Treatment Plant

Jennifer Adams - Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Jordain 422430214

Turn Culture into Cash: The Secret to Higher Profits

Jordan Cain - APPROVE
Gretchen roberts 2021

From Contracts to Offshoring: 7 Powerful Gross Margin Growth Levers

Gretchen Roberts - Red Bike Advisors

Trending News

Tech Wilmington: Upcoming Events Calendar

Staff Reports - Feb 12, 2025

Pet Pampering Options Grow

Samantha Kupiainen - Feb 12, 2025

Small Business Spotlight: Bookstore Fans Romantasy Flame

Staff Reports - Feb 12, 2025

Publix Confirms Upcoming Leland Store

Staff Reports - Feb 12, 2025

OPINION: Seeing Green: A Case For Community Collaboration On Parks And Green Space

Luke Waddell - Feb 12, 2025

In The Current Issue

Soundoff: Chamber Plays A Pivotal Role In Health Care Workforce Effort

"The decision to engage with partners in the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership is not only an opportunity but also a strategic imper...


Leland Copes With Growing Up

The area was named Leland way back in 1897, but it only had between 1,000 and 2,000 residents on its official birthday in 1989, the year it...


Pet Pampering Options Grow

In the Wilmington area, a growing number of pet boarding facilities cater to owners interested in giving their pet the furry friend-version...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season