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Point to Point Internet Explained
Many businesses are exploring more secure internet options to improve their cybersecurity posture. Point-to-point internet (P2P or PTP) is a more secure alternative to broadband. Point to point connectivity joins networks by creating a direct connection between them.
Point to point internet is increasing in popularity. The market is projected to hit $5 billion in 2023 from $3.6 billion in 2020. Continue reading as we explain point-to-point internet technology and its benefits.
What is Point to Point Internet and How Does it Work?
A point-to-point internet connection is a straight line of communication between two or more locations. Point to point connections are direct, without the need for intermediary devices such as routers or switches. Point to point connectivity is delivered via several delivery mechanisms. The most common delivery mechanisms include:
Microwave
Microwave delivery uses high-frequency radio waves to establish a direct link between two devices. This technology is used for P2P connectivity in remote areas with limited traditional wired connectivity options.
Microwave delivery is fast, reliable, and secure, making it an ideal option for businesses requiring a high-speed connection with minimal downtime. However, microwave requires a clear line of sight between the two transmitting devices, which can be difficult in urban areas or areas with hills and trees.
Millimeter Wave
Millimeter wave technology is a newer delivery mechanism for P2P connectivity that uses very high-frequency radio waves to establish a direct link between devices. This technology is faster than microwave delivery and can provide higher bandwidth. Millimeter wave is ideal for businesses requiring high-speed connections for data-intensive applications such as video conferencing or file transfers.
However, millimeter wave technology also requires a clear line of sight between the two devices and is susceptible to interference from weather conditions such as rain or snow.
Laser
Laser delivery uses focused beams of light to link two locations directly. This technology is faster and more secure than radio-based delivery mechanisms. Laser delivery also requires a clear line of sight between the two devices and is susceptible to interference from atmospheric conditions such as fog or dust.
Satellite
Satellite delivery uses orbiting satellites to establish a direct link between devices. It is used frequently for P2P connectivity in remote or rural areas where traditional wired connectivity options are limited or nonexistent. Satellite delivery is fast and reliable but expensive and may suffer from latency due to the distance the signal must travel.
Why Should You Choose Point-to-point Internet?
There are many reasons to choose point-to-point internet for your business instead of other private WAN services. Let’s go over some of them together.
Secure Connection
A point to point connection is more secure than broadband. P2P provides a direct link between devices, so there is less risk that the data is intercepted.
P2P connectivity can also be encrypted, providing an additional layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. Encryption is ideal for businesses that handle confidential or sensitive information, such as government agencies, healthcare providers, and financial institutions.
Low Latency
Latency is the time it takes for a data packet to go from one place to another. A point-to-point internet connection delivers minimal latency because there is one straight line of communication. Fewer hops and a more direct path provide lower latency.
Conversely, public internet options like broadband mean data bounce between different points before reaching its destination. P2P connection enables you to transmit data faster by avoiding rerouting, with the added advantage of keeping your information safe.
High Internet Speed and Bandwidth
Various factors, such as the distance between the points, affect a P2P internet connection’s bandwidth and speed. Newer point to point technologies are capable of delivering bandwidth comparable to traditional physical connections. High bandwidth is essential, especially with latency-sensitive applications like unified communications and video.
A P2P connection can give you speeds ranging between 100 MBPS and 10 GBPS. For wireless point-to-point, speed also depends on the distance between antennas. For example, an antenna with a 2.4GHz frequency could get you 170 MBPS over a nine-mile distance. Additionally, many P2P communication endpoints now run with Wi-Fi protocols like 802.11ac. 802.11ac delivers speeds up to 7 Gbps.
Minimal Packet Loss
In networking, data is broken down into smaller chunks called packets. The internet breaks data into packets and sends them to their destination. When packets are not delivered, you get packet loss. Packet loss requires packets to be resent, which leads to performance degradation.
In a P2P connection, all the packets move on a direct, dedicated path between two points. A direct connection lowers packet loss and delay.
Faster and Lower Cost Deployment
P2P connectivity can be deployed quickly, making it an ideal option for businesses that require a faster, lower-cost installation. Fiber or copper infrastructure requires trenching and the installation of physical cables. This can be extremely expensive, requires permitting from the city, and is time-consuming.
P2P connectivity requires the hardware on either end of the connection to transmit and receive the wireless signal. This means a point-to-point connection can be deployed more quickly and cheaply than physical connectivity. P2P is also an excellent option for temporary or emergency internet services.
Point-to-point Internet Connection Pricing
Point to point internet connectivity is a cost-effective service option. The elimination of costly implementation fees is a considerable cost saving. Monthly connectivity costs are typically competitive, as well.
Like most internet connectivity, the primary cost driver is the bandwidth you require. You can also get a better deal by signing up for a longer term. Three or five-year service terms are typically priced much more aggressively than month-to-month or annual services.
Brightlio Can Help With P2P and Other WAN Solutions
Are you looking for the best connectivity option for your business? Brightlio can help! We leverage our global network of connectivity partners to deliver the optimal solution for your needs and budget. Whether you need a point to point connection, dark fiber, lit fiber, MPLS, or broadband, we have solutions that will exceed your expectations.
We also offer technology solutions like unified communications, colocation, public cloud, SD-WAN, and advisory services allowing us to deliver a holistic technology solution for your business.
We are committed to being your most trusted and responsive technology provider. Get started with Brightlio today.
Did you enjoy this read? Well then, check out our article on The Pros and Cons of SD-WAN.
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