Internet access is an indispensable service in the modern era. It brings a lot of valuable information and provides you with entertainment and fun.
Yet, you may not know that there are many types for your internet, such as business and residential Internet. So, how are these two types different?
I will compare residential and business internet with insightful details in this post. This information will help you choose a suitable type for your needs.
What Is Residential Internet?
Residential Internet (home Internet) is designed for residents and home users. This type is the most convenient choice for home users. It provides you with direct access to information and online services.
Internet providers offer low-cost types for this type. Thus, the core advantage of this type is its price when it still has enough capacity to cover all basic needs.
For example, you can play online games and communicate with other people anywhere. It also allows users to download programs from online sources.
What Is Business Internet?
Business Internet is particularly designed for businesses. Many people within the network can access this service because this type typically features a very high capacity to accommodate large usage needs.
You can notice faster speed when using the business Internet. Similarly, the bandwidth and downloading speed it offers are very impressive.
This type also features a separate line and IP address. This feature helps increase the connection between the staff of a business.
Key Differences
Both types provide you with direct access to the Internet. You can access similar sites and view the same information, so there is no difference in the functions.
However, the capacity of these two types varies significantly. In general, business Internet brings better speed and performance.
Comparison Table
| Features | Residential Internet | Business Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | Lower (200 to 300 Mbps) | Higher (1000 to 2000 Mbps) |
| Service Level Agreements | Lower levels | Higher levels |
| IP | Dynamic IP address | Static IP address |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Customer Service | Slower due to the high number of customers | Faster and more convenient |
1. Bandwidth
The bandwidth of the home Internet is typically lower than its counterpart. It’s because the type needs to accommodate fewer devices. For instance, a typical resident contains from 5 to 10 devices that use the Internet.
In this case, you only need around 200 Mbps in bandwidth. It can ensure a high Internet speed without costing too much money.
Businesses involve hundreds of devices, from computers to laptops and phones. Business Internet must feature a higher capacity to fulfill this high demand.
Therefore, businesses expect an average capacity of 1000 or even 2000 Mbps. With such high capacity, you can download documents at a much faster speed.
2. Service Level Agreements
With Business Internet, there is a mutual agreement between the provider and the business. And it is a contract to ensure customer satisfaction. The provider will perform tasks to ensure stable bandwidth and speed in this case.
There are many other benefits involved in this contract. For instance, the provider will send someone to fix your Internet when errors occur. They will try to do it as soon as possible, as featured in the contract.
The higher the level, the more money you have to pay. Large businesses typically choose a high service level to ensure smooth operation.
Meanwhile, the service level of home Internet types is lower. The provider still provides you with support. Yet, they won’t promise instant repairs.
3. Stability
The high bandwidth of business internet makes it much more stable than residential internet. It also features a dedicated line for bandwidth transmission. So, many devices can access the internet at once without hindering its speed.
You can also download tools within a much shorter time. It won’t cause any disruption or drop in speed during the process. This stability ensures that businesses can operate smoothly.
Meanwhile, bandwidth clogging is a common problem for home Internet. For example, your type can accommodate a maximum of 5 devices. Then, you invite a group of friends to your house for a weekend party.
In these situations, do you notice that your Internet becomes much slower? It’s because there are too many devices that are using its bandwidth. As a result, you cannot browse the web or watch any videos.
For these reasons, business internet is the winner when it comes to stability.
4. Internet Protocol (IP)
Business internet typically has an assigned static IP address. Meanwhile, the residential internet features a dynamic address.
The static IP address is more secure and reliable because it helps the network function smoothly and prevents disruption.
5. Cost
The median cost of home Internet in the United States ranges around $36.33, and you can get around 25Mbps in download speeds from this type. However, you will pay about $58.12 to get the highest speeds.
Meanwhile, the price for business Internet is very diverse, from $69 to $249 in the US. The specific price will depend on each supplier as well as the time. In general, the price for business internet is always higher than for residential internet.
6. Customer Service
As mentioned above, customer service for business internet is better. The provider will keep track of business internet and ensure stable speed, and they also repair your connection in a shorter time.
Meanwhile, internet providers still provide the best services for home. However, they will support slower due to the high number of customers.
Which One Should You Choose?
Business internet features significantly higher costs. You have to pay many times higher than residential internet. Thus, it’s a waste of money if you purchase it for home usage.
Meanwhile, higher types are a must for large businesses. If your business involves a high number of devices and staff, it would be best if you went for the business internet to ensure the best capacity.
Final Thoughts
Residential internet is still the optimal choice for residents because it can meet all your basic needs without spending too much.
Meanwhile, business internet is a must for large companies. It ensures efficient speed to operate businesses. The value it brings is well worth the high cost.
I hope the comparison provided can help you decide between the two types. Consider your usage needs carefully to pick the best option.
Thank you for reading!