by Greg Lipschitz | June 12, 2017
In business these days it’s necessary to have a reliable internet connection. Your business and its internet connection are complementary. The kind of internet connection you need depends on what kind of business you have.
It goes without saying that if you’re a one man band who does minimal online work a Fibre service of 100Mbps would be overkill. Conversely, running an online film editing company on a 4G service would be equally preposterous.
So what is the best kind of internet connection for your business?
ADSL2+ & NBN
Whilst ADSL & NBN are cost effective it can actually end up costing you a lot more than you bargained for in lost productivity and downtime.
Both of these services are deemed “consumer” and don’t carry the same level of service assurance that true business ethernet and fibre services come with.
What do we mean by service assurance?
Service Assurance relates to how quickly your service runs, how quickly will the provider respond in the event of a problem, how quickly will a problem be fixed and if you will receive a rebate if your service isn’t running properly or is down.
Will I get the full speed on ADSL and NBN?
Both ADSL and NBN are speeds “up to” services. This means that whilst you may order a 25/5Mbps NBN service, it may only perform at 18/3Mbps. Similarly, ADSL theoretical maximum is 24/1Mbps, but rarely performs at full speed. This is due to a number of factors, mainly, the underlying technology of the copper network, distance from the exchange or node and network contention ratios.
If you run a small team or a business where an “always on” internet connection isn’t important, then an ADSL or NBN service may be suitable for your business.
If the internet is super important to your business operations, a Fibre or Ethernet Internet service is more suitable.
Ethernet and Fibre Internet
This is the most common type of connection that we provide at Summit. Fibre and ethernet internet services scale from small businesses all the way up to large enterprises. If you use cloud services like Office 365 and Google Apps, have multiple offices with a VPN, do a lot of video conferencing, need a dedicated internet service to upload or store files on cloud-based storage services or just need guaranteed speeds, then Fibre is the service for you.
Ethernet and Fibre services also have “symmetrical” speeds, meaning they have the same download and upload rates. The other reason businesses choose Ethernet and Fibre services is that they aren’t “best effort.” They’re guaranteed to be stable at the given speed, so if you’re on the 100/100Mbps plan, then that is what you get – 100Mbps download and 100Mbps upload.
Business Fibre and Ethernet services also carry Business Service Level Agreements which guarantee performance, uptime and fault restoration. In the unlikely event of an issue, you may be eligible for a percentage of your monthly fee as a service level credit.
Fixed Wireless
Fixed Wireless is a service which uses microwave point-to-point wireless connections from the supplier tower or basestation to your premises. Some businesses, especially in remote areas, cannot always get a dedicated fibre service. In this instance, Fixed Wireless is a good solution because it is also a symmetrical service that allows you be on the same upload and download with no issues. Fixed Wireless is also a good option as a failover service as it can serve as a good backup to keep your business running smoothly if you have complications with your wired service.
Telstra 4G Mobile Broadband Data
Telstra 4G Mobile Broadband is great for businesses that are on the go or have staff that need network access when offsite. However, the service transmits through the Telstra 4G mobile towers, so there can be complications when users are not in mobile range. Most connections these days run through 4G technology that sometimes gets even better speeds than fixed services. This type of connection is useful for pop up shops, very small businesses who need a very small amount of data or as a contingency plan.
As you can see, there are benefits and drawbacks to each type of data service. If your business doesn’t rely heavily on the internet, a 100Mbps Ethernet connection would be of little use, while a slower connection would be a problem if you do a lot of teleconferencing. Determining why you need your data connection will help steer you in the right direction when it comes time to choose which type to go with.
To speak with an internet specialist about what solution is right for your business, give our team a call on 1300 049 749.
by Greg Lipschitz | June 7, 2017
The National Broadband Network (NBN) rolling out right now is Australia’s newest broadband network.
The NBN uses a number of technologies to deliver speeds of up to 100Mbps, four times faster than regular ADSL services.
- nbn™ Fibre to the premises
nbn™ Fibre to the premises (FTTP) is the scenario where we’re able to run a fibre optic line all the way to your premises.
- nbn™ Fibre to the node
nbn™ Fibre to the node (FTTN) is where we run nbn™ Fibre to a newly built cabinet and then connect with the existing copper network.
- nbn™ Fibre to the building
nbn™ Fibre to the building (FTTB) is generally used when we’re connecting an apartment block or similar type of building to the nbn™ network.
- nbn™ Hybrid Fibre Coaxial
nbn™ Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) is used in circumstances where the existing ‘pay TV’ or cable network can be used to reach your premises.
- nbn™ Fixed Wireless
nbn™ Fixed Wireless is a form of connection where data is sent from a transmission tower and travels wirelessly to an antenna that has been fitted by an nbn™ approved installer to your roof.
- nbn™ Sky Muster™
The connection of some remote and rural locations services over the nbn™ network can be delivered via our Sky Muster™ satellite. In this scenario a satellite dish is installed on the premises and receives the nbn™ network signal from the Sky Muster™ satellite.
How does this affect your business?
- Access to fast broadband brings video conferencing to life. Meet with customers, suppliers and colleagues, regardless of location, face to face without even leaving your desk, saving time and boosting productivity.
- High-speed broadband gives you the ability to benefit from the full potential of cloud-based services. Customers, suppliers, staff and data can all be accessed from many locations on any connected device.
- You can display the best visual graphics and optimise the online customer experience to make your business stand out from the rest.
- Fast internet access increases productivity in both the workplace and remote locations.
With an NBN connection your business is ready to grow. Scalability is fast and easy. Internet speeds can be increased and multiple connections are readily available.
Is the NBN in my area?
The NBN coverage map allows you to view the planned stages of the roll out in your area. Once the NBN is available, your current provider will contact you to make the switch.
Can I keep my phone numbers?
Your Service Provider has the capability to port your number over to the new NBN network and lets you use analogue or digital handsets. Alternatively, you can move your service over to a hosted voice solution once you have NBN broadband connected.
How long will it take for a NBN installation?
The installation is carried out by a licensed contractor. They differ from site to site depending on the current infrastructure available. Installation can take anywhere from 1-2 days to 45 business days.
Planning and tips for installing the NBN
- The location of the utility box may be restricted based on the existing telecommunications infrastructure.
- If connecting a wireless router to your NBN equipment, consider the distance and location of your devices.
- Think about future plans for the room, as relocation of equipment will need to be done by a certified installer.
- You will need to contact your service provider if extra cabling is needed from the NBN equipment to other devices such as phone outlets, security alarms or in-home networking.
- If you are in a newly built home or development, your builder may have put infrastructure in place that will pre-determine the location of the NBN equipment.
- Technology is evolving faster and faster everyday.
Ready to switch on Business NBN? Speak to Summit Internet today – 1300 049 749.
by Greg Lipschitz | May 30, 2017
In business, moving office can be a stressful time. No matter how much planning you seem to put in to moving office, there’s always something which is forgotten or which goes disastrously wrong.
One of the cries for help we often receive is when our customers have forgotten to order telephones or internet and have either moved in or are days away from moving office. In an age where we’re all connected and rely on phones and internet to keep our businesses running, it’s a bit of a show stopper to any business move when you’re not able to communicate with the outside world.
Let Summit take the stress out of moving! We’re experts in Internet relocation and Phone relocation. Our project team will work with you every step of the way, from pre-qualifying your prospective offices when you’re looking to move, right through to making sure you’re online with fibre internet and our hosted phone system before you move in.
Here’s a checklist to help you plan your move
- Before you sign your lease, submit a Service Qualification to ensure fibre internet is available in your building.
- Allow for enough power and data to each desk. We recommend 2 Data Points and 4 Power Points per workstation.
- Ensure that you allow 60-90 business days to have your fibre internet installed.
- Submit your number porting so that you can take your numbers with you.
- Make sure you’ve allowed enough space for your current staff + your growth plans of at least 20%! There’s nothing worse than having to do it all again in 12 months.
- Plan, check your plans, re-plan and then execute!
If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you reach out to our team so that we can take the pain out of moving office for your telecommunications needs.
by Greg Lipschitz | May 18, 2017
Summit supercharges internet in Braeside with our fixed wireless broadband services starting from $199/Month.
Through Summit Partner ExecAID, Lowe Financial Group has increased business productivity with a Summit Fixed Wireless service allowing them to utilise supplier online portals and cloud services to streamline their business.
“Summit have been excellent to deal with. Our whole office is very happy with the new faster internet service.”
Gerard Lowe – Director
Summit Internet is leading the way enabling businesses in Braeside, Moorabbin Airport, Moorabbin, Dingley Village and Mordialloc to get online with our super-fast, business grade, reliable wireless internet service.
Our business internet services enable businesses big and small to use cloud services like Microsoft Office 365, Google Apps, Dropbox, Xero, MYOB and Quickbooks all at high speed.
If you’d like our team to perform a site survey to see if you too can get our fixed wireless service, simply call us on 1300 049 749 and we’ll be glad to assist you.
by Greg Lipschitz | May 16, 2017
More and more companies are moving to the cloud. With business applications being online and more accessible, how are you ensuring that your business is always online to avoid costly downtime?
Thinking about your business, what online applications are you using?
- Accounting – Xero, Quickbooks, MYOB and Microsoft Dynamics
- Email & Collaboration – Microsoft Office 365, Google Apps for Work, Skype for Business, Google Hangouts
- File, Sync & Share – Dropbox, OneDrive for Business, Autotask Workplace & Sharepoint
- Online Meetings – GoToMeeting, Webex, Zoom and Skype for Business
- ERP – Pronto, Microsoft Dynamics, Netsuite, SAP Business One, Sage and MYOB EXO
How are you protecting your business connectivity from downtime? Many businesses I speak to have not thought about their connectivity to their core business systems. The cost of not having good connectivity for both a primary and backup could cost your business tens of thousands of dollars.
What’s the real cost of downtime?
- 10 Staff for 4 Hours at $30/Hour = $1,200
- 20 Staff for 6 Hours at $40/Hour = $4,800
- 30 Staff for 8 Hours at $50/Hour = $12,000
At Summit, we’re leading the way with our Fibre Internet Services, Ethernet Internet Services, EFM Internet Services and Fixed Wireless Internet Services. We’re backing up our customers primary internet service with super-fast data on the Telstra 4G Mobile Network with our seamless Managed 4G Failover service.
Having a 4G Internet Failover greatly reduces the impact on a business in the event of a primary failure and is a cost-effective way to maintain connectivity in the event of a failure.
If you’d like to get serious about your Business Internet Service then the Team at Summit Internet would love to help you design and deploy a fast and reliable data solution for your business.
by Greg Lipschitz | March 23, 2017
As part of our ongoing commitment to our Customers, Resellers and Wholesale Partners, Summit has successfully completed the addition of a new Point of Presence at NextDC’s B1 Datacentre.
Using the latest in Cisco Routing and Extreme Networks Switching, we have capacity for over 100Gbps of network capacity in Queensland.
The addition of Brisbane takes Summit Internet to a total of 5 Datacentres on the East Coast of Australia. Two Melbourne Datacentres, NextDC M1 & Equinix ME1, and two Sydney Datacentres, NextDC S1 & Equinix SY3.
Queensland is a market which we are committed to servicing with our world-class MPLS network providing high-speed Fibre Internet, Secure Private Data Networks, Voice over IP and IP Transit.
Summit connects to all major carriers in Queensland including Telstra Wholesale, AAPT, TPG, Pipe Networks and Vocus as well as local carrier, Nexium, which gives us reach to services in Far North Queensland via the Nexium Fibre and Fixed Wireless network.
Our Queensland customers will now have direct access to Amazon Web Services Direct Connect and Microsoft Azure Express Route delivered from our Sydney and Melbourne POP’s as well as access to peering and interconnect services on IX Australia and Megaport.
We look forward to working with the Queensland market to deliver our awesome products and services.
