CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS
When it comes to connecting a business to the internet, there are many different options to choose from, with some — depending on the circumstances — being more affordable and optimal than others. From physical cables and wireless technologies to network management and security, it is critical that organizations understand what options are available to them.
Conectrix sells through all major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) worldwide, enabling us to provide data, network, and mobility services to clients with multiple offices or locations across the globe. As your trusted IT advisor, we act as a single point of contact across all ISPs and network access methods, and cover everything from basic broadband to advanced networking and satellite.
With over 400 vendors in our portfolio, Conectrix offers a diverse range of connectivity solutions across these three categories:
Wired Internet Access
Wireless and Mobile Connectivity
Network Management and Security
Wired Internet Access
Wired internet, as the name implies, is a connection that uses physical cables to connect devices — such as computers or TVs — to the internet, and usually delivers a direct, uninterrupted signal. There are four key types of wired internet:
Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)
Ethernet over Fiber
Fiber Broadband
Cable Broadband
Dedicated Internet Access
DIA is a high-speed connection between a dedicated premises (office building, home, restaurant, etc.) and the internet. This connection is not shared with anyone else, making it not only private, but also secure and reliable. DIA is typically delivered via fiber or Ethernet, and is leased to a user's local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN).
Ethernet over Fiber
Ethernet over Fiber (EoF) is a symmetric, high-performance wired option that transmits standard Ethernet data packets as pulses of light over optical fiber cables. This approach to data transmission allows EoF to achieve speeds comparable to the fastest internet services available, surpassing those of traditional copper wire. In addition to greater speeds, EoF also offers higher bandwidth capacity, exceptionally long-range connectivity, and immunity to electromagnetic interference.
Fiber Broadband
Fiber broadband is a high-speed internet connection that transmits data as pulses of light over long distances through a network of optical fiber cables. Unlike DIA and EoF, fiber broadband is a shared connection, though it still represents a significant improvement over traditional copper telephone lines, which are slower and less reliable. Fiber broadband is widely available, capable of symmetrical speeds, and ideal for heavy usage such as streaming, gaming, and working from home.
Cable Broadband
Cable broadband is a high-speed internet service that delivers data using the same coaxial cable infrastructure used for cable television. Widely available, budget-friendly, and ideal for rapid provisioning, cable broadband is an excellent business broadband choice for small-to-medium-sized businesses with moderate to heavy data needs that also require fast download speeds.
It is important to note that while cable broadband is sometimes confused with fiber broadband, the two differ in how they transmit data. Specifically, fiber uses pulses of light traveling through glass strands, whereas cable broadband uses electrical signals over coaxial cables. Although coaxial cables are an improvement over older copper telephone lines, they are not quite as fast or reliable as optical fiber cables.
Wireless and Mobile Connectivity
True to its name, wireless connectivity departs from wired connectivity in that it does not use physical cables, fibers, or wires to connect to the internet and transmit data, but rather invisible radio waves, making it perfect for remote sites, mobile workforces, and failover.
Mobile connectivity is a type of wireless connection that links portable devices — such as smartphones and laptops — to widespread cellular networks.
The three types of wireless and mobile connectivity Conectrix offers include:
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
4G and 5G Wireless Mobility
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Internet
Fixed Wireless Access
FWA is a wireless connection that provides network access and high-speed internet to a stationary location, such as a home or business, connecting it to a central transmission tower via radio signals. The fast, reliable broadband of FWA makes it a strong choice for locations where fiber, cable, or even satellite are not available.
4G and 5G Wireless Mobility
4G is the fourth generation of cellular network technology, and contrary to common belief, it was not replaced by 5G, the fifth generation of mobile cellular network technology. Although 5G did not replace 4G, the latter operates on a lower frequency spectrum, making its data speeds, latency, and capacity less impressive than the former, which uses higher frequencies.
Business 5G wireless, and to some extent 4G, are excellent options for organizations with mobile workforces, those using Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and those in need of backup connectivity.
LEO Satellite Internet
To understand LEO satellite internet, it is helpful to contrast LEO satellites with those in geostationary earth orbit (GEO). LEO satellites are positioned at a much lower altitude of approximately 300 to 750 miles; in contrast, traditional GEO satellites orbit far above the Earth at roughly 22,000 miles. This closer proximity results in significantly faster speeds and lower latency, making LEO satellite internet ideal for users located in remote or rural areas. Conectrix is an exclusive seller of LEO satellite internet service for Amazon's Kuiper network and Starlink.
Network Management and Security
In the modern business environment, the network has become the backbone of daily operations. Network management and security involve the processes, policies, and tools used to configure, monitor, and protect an organization's digital infrastructure. Two complementary network elements — one for management and one for security — are:
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
SD-WAN solutions are networking technologies — and a leading managed WAN for enterprise — that optimize traffic routing across multiple connections by applying Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles to a WAN, enhancing performance, reliability, and security.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
SASE security is a flexible and scalable cloud-delivered framework that combines networking and security into a unified platform, integrating SD-WAN, Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to protect users, devices, and data wherever they are located.
Conectrix Helps You Find the Right Connectivity Solutions
Looking at all of the connectivity solutions out there can be overwhelming, but with Conectrix working as your personal IT advisor, you gain the benefits of a single vendor relationship, access to 400+ suppliers — including both major players and niche providers — and no markup pressure.
