Backup Internet for Business: A Comprehensive Guide

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what backup internet for business is, how it works, the risks and costs associated with internet outages, and the various types of backup internet solutions available.

Backup internet is a contingency plan for maintaining a company’s internet connection even in the face of an outage on its primary internet connection. It involves having an alternate, or backup, internet connection ready to take over in the event of unexpected downtime. This proactive measure helps a company maintain its critical operations, customer interactions, and overall business continuity. 

To have a complete view of backup internet, you must first understand failover and redundancy. Internet failover is the transition from a primary internet connection to a backup internet connection whenever the primary connection experiences an issue. Redundancy refers to the process of working to make sure that there’s always a backup connection available, ready to step in and take over when necessary.

Internet outages can cost a company significantly. Downtime translates to productivity losses, missed sales and marketing opportunities, lack of team collaboration and potential customer dissatisfaction. Consider the following:

• A survey from SolarWinds Pingdom shows that “About 98% of organizations claim that only one hour of downtime costs over $100,000.”
  
• App store downtime in 2015 cost Apple $25 million in sales, according to The Mac Observer.
  
• A 2016 internet outage that lasted about 5 hours reportedly cost Delta Air Lines $150 Million.
  
• CCN estimates that a Facebook outage in 2019 cost the company $90 million.
  
• A report from the Poneum Institute estimates that connectivity outages cost businesses between $5,600 and $9,000 per minute, on average.
  

The expense of downtime can impact companies of every size, from small and mid-size business owners to enterprise-level executives.

A number of factors can cause a business to lose connectivity, including but not limited to:
 

• Electrical failures: Power outages, voltage fluctuations, or electrical failures can disrupt networking equipment and servers, leading to disruptions in internet service.
   
• Storms and weather events: Severe weather conditions, such as storms, hurricanes, or heavy snowfall can damage infrastructure and cause power outages, impacting internet connectivity.
   
• Earthquakes or geological events: Earthquakes or other geological events can damage underground or aerial network cables.
   
• Accidental damage: Construction activities, digging, or excavation near network infrastructure can accidentally damage internet cables and disrupt service.
   
• Cable cuts: If cables are accidentally cut or damaged during maintenance or construction work, the internet connection can be severed.  
   

As a business owner, your best defense against these potential threats to your connectivity is a good offense. A backup internet solution will provide peace of mind and give you the best possible chance at continuous operations, no matter what happens to your internet connection.

The right backup internet solution for your business will center around the needs of your business. Key considerations include:  
 

1. Security: As a business owner, you have a vested interest in protecting the data you hold – whether it’s about your operations, your customers or your employees.   
   
2. Speed/Bandwidth: Your backup internet connection needs to have enough speed to handle your critical workload.
   
3. Location: Finding an effective internet backup solution for your business depends in part on geography. Some locations may have better coverage than others for specific types of connections, influencing the choice between broadband, wireless, or satellite options.
   
4. Scalability: As your business evolves, your connectivity needs are likely to change. A backup internet solution should be kept up-to-date so that your secondary connection will remain equipped to support your network as its needs intensify over time.
   
5. Your Budget: Your budget will be a significant factor when selecting a backup internet solution. You’ll need to factor both the initial setup cost and ongoing expenses, which may change as your network needs grow.
   

There are several types of backup internet solutions available to you, and each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look:

Broadband internet access is essentially always active and faster than older dial-up connections. It includes various technologies such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable, and fiber-optic.

How it Works:
 

• DSL: Uses existing telephone lines to transmit data at high frequencies without interfering with voice calls.
  
• Cable: Utilizes the same infrastructure as cable television to deliver internet access through coaxial cables.
  
• Fiber-Optic: Transmits data using light pulses through thin strands of glass or plastic. Fiber-optic broadband offers high speeds and low latency.
  

Pros

• Cable and DSL internet solutions are often more budget-friendly compared to other options.
  
• Wide Availability: Broadband connections, such as DSL or cable, can be more accessible in urban and suburban areas.

Cons

• Limited Bandwidth: Cable and DSL connections might have limitations in terms of bandwidth, making them less suitable for data-intensive operations.
  
• Speed Variability: The actual speed of Cable and DSL connections can vary based on factors such as network congestion and distance from the provider.
  

Small to medium-sized businesses with moderate connectivity needs may find LTE/Cellular backup internet suitable. It offers a balance between cost and reliability for businesses with standard operational demands.

Dedicated internet access provides a direct connection between the business and the internet service provider (ISP), ensuring exclusive and consistent bandwidth.

How it Works:

• A dedicated line, such as an ethernet line, is leased by the business from the ISP.
  
• This line is not shared with other users, so its purpose is to provide a reliable and symmetrical (equal upload and download) connection.
  
• Dedicated connections are often used for critical applications like voice over IP (VoIP), video conferencing, and large data transfers.
  

Pros

• High Reliability: Dedicated connections provide a high level of reliability.
  
• Consistent Speed: Businesses can expect a more stable and consistent speed with dedicated connections, making them ideal for data-heavy applications.

Cons

• Higher Cost: Dedicated connections are typically on the more expensive side, which may be a deterrent for smaller businesses.
  
• Limited Availability: In remote or rural areas, dedicated connections may be limited or even unavailable
  

Large enterprises with high connectivity needs and the budget to support dedicated solutions stand to benefit from the reliability and stability offered by this type of backup internet.

4G (Fourth Generation), 5G (Fifth Generation), and LTE (Long-Term Evolution) are wireless communication technologies that can provide high-speed internet access through cellular networks.

How it Works:

• Data is transmitted wirelessly through radio waves using cellular towers.
  
• 4G and 5G offer higher speeds and lower latency compared to previous generations.
  
• Users need compatible devices (smartphones, routers) with built-in support for these cellular technologies.
  
• Ideal for mobile use and as a backup internet solution.
  
• For businesses that need higher bandwidth, there are options such as a private spectrum network from Cox Business.
  

Pros

• Quick Deployment: Wireless solutions are quick to deploy, making them suitable for temporary backup internet needs or connectivity challenges requiring rapid implementation.
  
• High Mobility: Businesses that require mobile backup solutions, such as those in the event industry, can benefit from the mobility of 4G/5G/LTE connections.

Cons

• Limited Bandwidth: Wireless connections may have limitations in terms of bandwidth, making them less suitable for data-heavy operations.
  
• Susceptible to Interference: Interference from other devices or even physical structures, such as buildings or trees, can impact the reliability of wireless connections.
  

Businesses that need temporary or mobile backup solutions, or those that operate in locations where wired connections are challenging to implement, may find 4G/5G/LTE wireless backup to be a good fit for their needs.

Fixed wireless delivers high-speed internet access using radio signals between two fixed points, typically a cell tower and a fixed antenna on a building.
 

How it Works:

• Antennas on buildings communicate with a nearby wireless base station or cellular tower.
  
• Data is transmitted wirelessly, providing internet access without the need for physical cables.
  

Pros

• Reliability: Fixed wireless solutions offer reliability and low latency, making them suitable for businesses that require a relatively stable connection.
  
• Low Latency: The low latency of fixed wireless connections is beneficial for real-time applications and services.

Cons

• Limited Availability: Fixed wireless coverage may be limited in certain regions, particularly in remote or less densely populated areas.
  

Businesses Best Suited for Fixed Wireless Internet Backup
Businesses in areas with good fixed wireless coverage can leverage the overall reliability and low latency of this type of backup internet.

Satellite internet relies on communication satellites orbiting the Earth to provide internet access to users located in various regions.

How it Works:

• Ground-based satellite dishes communicate with satellites in geostationary or low Earth orbit.
  
• Data is transmitted to and from the satellite, providing internet connectivity.
  

Pros

• Global Coverage: Satellite backup provides global coverage, making it suitable for businesses in geographically isolated or challenging terrains.
  
• Suitable for Remote Locations: Businesses in remote locations where other types of connections are impractical can benefit from satellite backup.

Cons

• High Latency: Satellite connections often come with higher latency, which may impact real-time applications.
  
• Susceptible to Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or storms, can affect the reliability of satellite connections.
  

Businesses in geographically isolated or challenging terrains, where traditional wired or wireless connections are not feasible, may find satellite backup internet a helpful solution.

Choosing between wireline-to-wireless and wireless-to-wireless backup internet is a critical decision that depends on various factors, including the nature of your business, its geographical location, and infrastructure considerations. Understanding the differences between these two options will guide you in making a decision tailored to your needs.

In a wireline-to-wireless setup, the primary internet connection relies on wired-in infrastructure, such as fiber-optic cables or DSL, while the backup internet connection is wireless. This configuration offers several advantages and considerations:
 
Pros

• Reliability: Wired-in connections, such as those utilizing fiber-optic cable, are known for their reliability and consistent performance.  
  
• High Bandwidth: Wired-in internet connections often provide higher bandwidth compared to wireless alternatives, accommodating data-intensive tasks with ease.
  
• Low Latency: Wireline connections generally offer lower latency, which is crucial for applications and services that need to keep pace in real time.

Cons

• Limited Mobility: A wireline-to-wireless setup may lack the mobility offered by a completely wireless configuration, limiting flexibility in certain scenarios.
  
• Vulnerability to Physical Damage: Wired infrastructure is a tangible, physical presence and thus can be damaged. Cables can be cut – for example,  during construction activities - which may affect both your primary and backup connections.
  

In a wireless-to-wireless configuration, both the primary and backup internet connections rely on cellular technologies, such as 4G/5G/LTE.  

Pros

• Quick Deployment: Wireless connections are quick to deploy, making them ideal for rapid implementation of backup internet solutions or temporary connectivity. 
• High Mobility: Wireless-to-wireless setups are highly mobile, providing flexibility for businesses with on-the-go connectivity needs or those requiring movable backup internet solutions.
  
• Reduced Dependency on Infrastructure: Since both connections are wireless, there is less reliance on physical equipment like cables, reducing vulnerability to physical damage.
  

Cons

• Potential for Interference: Wireless connections can be susceptible to interference from other electronic devices or structures, potentially affecting the reliability of backup internet.
  
• Limited Bandwidth: Depending on the wireless technology used, there may be limitations in terms of bandwidth, which could impact data-intensive operations.

Backup internet for business is not just a precautionary measure you should take; it's a strategic investment in helping to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. In a world where connectivity is synonymous with productivity, having a reliable backup internet plan is not just a choice but a necessity that allows your business to compete. Contact Cox Business today for a guided, in-depth look at how our backup internet solutions can protect your business.

Backup internet is a cornerstone of business continuity. Businesses that have a reliable backup internet connection can minimize downtime and protect connectivity in the event of unforeseen, unscheduled internet down time.

Internet failover is the process of automatically switching from a primary internet connection to a backup internet connection when the primary connection experiences a loss of connectivity. This process aims to keep a company and its employees working even in an internet outage.