What Are Leased Lines?

Leased lines are dedicated, point-to-point telecommunications circuits that provide a permanent, high-speed data connection between two locations.

So, what’s the difference between normal phone lines and leased lines?

They offer several benefits, including faster speeds, lower latency, and better reliability than other types of connectivity, making them ideal for businesses that require high-quality connectivity for critical applications and services.

Normal phone lines are typically used for voice communications and can also support low-speed data transfer, whereas leased lines are designed for high-speed data transfer and are used for transmitting large amounts of data, such as video conferencing, file transfers, and internet access.

Normal phone lines have limited bandwidth, typically up to 56 Kbps, whereas leased lines have higher bandwidth ranging from 1.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps or more.

Normal phone lines are relatively slow compared to leased lines, which can offer much faster speeds. Leased lines can be symmetrical, meaning they provide the same upload and download speeds, whereas phone lines typically have much slower upload speeds.

Leased lines provide a higher level of QoS, meaning they are more reliable and provide consistent performance, whereas phone lines can be susceptible to interference and other issues that can cause disruptions in service.

Leased lines are typically more expensive than normal phone lines, as they offer higher speeds and greater reliability.

Leased lines are typically used by businesses and organizations that require high-speed, dedicated connectivity between geographically dispersed locations. Some of the common users of leased lines include:

Leased lines can provide reliable, high-speed connectivity between different office locations, allowing employees to access the same network and resources from different locations.

Leased lines are used to connect data centers to the internet or to other data centers, providing high-speed, dedicated connectivity for cloud-based services and other applications that require low latency and high bandwidth.

Leased lines are used by ISPs to connect their networks to the wider internet, providing high-speed connectivity for their customers.

Universities and schools often use leased lines to provide high-speed connectivity between their various campuses and to connect to research networks.

Government agencies often use leased lines to connect their offices and data centers, providing secure and reliable connectivity for critical applications and services.

Overall, any organization that requires high-speed, reliable, and dedicated connectivity between multiple locations can benefit from using leased lines. While they are more expensive than other types of connectivity, they offer several benefits, including higher speeds, better reliability, and lower latency.

Are Leased lines more expensive?

Leased lines typically cost more than other types of connectivity, such as broadband or fiber. This is because leased lines offer dedicated, high-speed connectivity that is not shared with other users, which makes them more expensive to provide.

The cost of leased lines can vary depending on several factors, including the bandwidth required, the distance between the two locations, and the service level agreement (SLA) required. Leased lines with higher bandwidth and longer distances generally cost more, as do leased lines with higher SLAs, which guarantee a certain level of uptime and response time.

Does it matter about location with dedicated leased lines?

One of the primary benefits of leased lines is that they offer dedicated, high-speed connectivity that is not shared with other users. However, the availability of leased lines can vary depending on the location. In some remote areas, the infrastructure may not be in place to support leased lines, or the cost of laying the necessary infrastructure may be prohibitively high.

Additionally, the distance between the two locations can affect the cost and performance of leased lines. In remote areas, the distance between two locations may be greater, which can increase the cost of leased lines and potentially impact performance.

Another factor to consider is the availability of other types of connectivity in remote areas. In some cases, other options such as satellite or wireless connectivity may be more practical and cost-effective in remote areas where leased lines are not available or cost-prohibitive.

Overall, leased lines can be a good option in remote areas, but it is important to consider the availability, cost, and performance of leased lines compared to other types of connectivity options. Businesses and organizations in remote areas should consult with a connectivity provider to determine the best option for their needs.

Is it good to obtain an SLA for a leased lines package?

It is generally a good idea to obtain a service level agreement (SLA) for a leased line package. An SLA is a contract between the customer and the service provider that outlines the level of service that will be provided and the remedies available if the service level is not met.

An SLA for a leased line package can provide several benefits, including:

An SLA can guarantee a certain level of uptime for the leased line, which can be important for businesses that rely on the connectivity for critical applications and services.

The SLA can also guarantee a certain level of response time from the service provider in the event of an outage or other issue with the leased line.

They can outline the remedies available to the customer if the service level is not met, such as credits or refunds for service interruptions.

They can also ensure that the customer receives priority support from the service provider in the event of an issue with the leased line.

Overall, an SLA for a leased line package can provide added assurance and protection for businesses that require high-quality connectivity for critical applications and services.

The Next Steps

If you are unsure of the best dedicated leased lines for your needs, feel free to contact CWCS at sales@cwcs.co.uk or use the live chat system or submit a ticket on the CWCS website. We will be happy to guide you through the options that fit your requirements.