Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Business broadband | Leased line / dedicated internet |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth sharing | Shared with other users (contended) | Dedicated to your connection (uncontended) |
| Upload vs download | Often asymmetric | Usually symmetrical |
| Service level agreement | Limited or best-effort, operator-dependent | Formal SLA, terms operator-dependent |
| Latency and jitter consistency | Can vary with network load | Generally more consistent |
| Static IP | Sometimes available | Commonly available |
| Site-to-site / point-to-point | Via VPN over internet | Private point-to-point options available |
| Typical fit | Small offices, general browsing and email | Cloud-dependent, voice, multi-site, hosted services |
Leased line vs business broadband at a glance (typical characteristics).
Why does symmetry matter?
Broadband plans are often sold on download speed, with a lower upload. Video calls, cloud backup, file sync, hosted servers and remote CCTV viewing all depend on upload. A symmetrical connection gives the same capacity in both directions.
What does contention mean in practice?
On a contended service, capacity is shared with other customers, so available speed can drop at busy times. An uncontended dedicated service reserves the contracted bandwidth for you.
What should an SLA cover?
An SLA is only as useful as its terms. Read what availability is committed, how faults are reported, response and restoration targets, what is excluded, and what remedy applies if targets are missed.
Do latency and jitter matter for my business?
Latency is delay; jitter is variation in that delay. Voice calls, video conferencing and real-time applications are sensitive to both. Dedicated services generally give more consistent latency, though the path to the cloud service or overseas destination also matters.
Do I need a static IP?
A static IP is useful for hosting services, firewall rules, site-to-site VPNs, remote access and some cloud allow-lists. Check whether it is included, how many addresses are provided, and the cost.
How should failover be planned?
Any single connection can fail. A second link from a different operator or technology, with a router or firewall that switches automatically, reduces the impact. Where possible, confirm the two services do not share the same physical route into the building.
Which suits branches, cloud and voice?
Branch offices
Small branches with light usage often run well on business broadband with a VPN back to head office. Branches running core systems from head office may justify a dedicated or point-to-point link.
Cloud-dependent offices
If email, files and business systems are all in the cloud, the internet connection is the workplace. Upload capacity, consistency and an SLA become more important.
Voice and IP PABX
IP telephony needs consistent latency and low jitter. Dedicated connectivity, or quality-of-service configuration on the local network, helps call quality.
When would TKWIT recommend each?
We would usually suggest business broadband for small offices with general internet use and tolerance for occasional slowdowns, ideally with a backup. We would suggest a leased line or dedicated internet access where the business depends on cloud systems, voice, site-to-site links or hosted services, often with broadband as failover. TKWIT is not a telecommunications carrier; we coordinate services through established Sri Lankan network operators and handle the technical delivery into your office.
What to verify before ordering
- Is the bandwidth contended or uncontended, and is it symmetrical?
- What availability, response and restoration terms does the SLA state?
- Are static IP addresses included, and how many?
- Is the service available at your exact building, and what is the lead time?
- What equipment does the operator provide, and who manages it?
- What is the minimum contract term and upgrade path?
- What failover connection will you use, and does it take a separate route?
Caveats
- Product names, speeds, SLA terms and availability differ between Sri Lankan operators and by location.
- Performance to overseas or cloud destinations also depends on routing beyond the local connection.
Choosing connectivity for a new or growing office?
We can review how your business uses the internet and help you compare suitable dedicated and broadband options for your location.
Or call +94 777 067 580