02
March 2020
Asymmetric bandwidth refers to a data connection that features different upload and download speeds.
This is one of the most common business-class internet product offerings, and will often be described as a ‘100/10’ connection, which simply means it offers 100 Megabit per second (Mbps) of download speed, and 10Mbps up.
Networks of this kind are extremely flexible and are particularly useful when large amounts of data are required to be downloaded, yet only a minimal amount of traffic uploaded.
The difference between symmetric and asymmetric networking
Asymmetric and symmetric differ in that the latter offers the same speed for both uploading and downloading data.
Symmetrical connections are best used for solutions such as VoIP (i.e. hosted telephony) because they achieve consistent speeds in both directions.
The flexibility of asymmetrical networking in the office
Asymmetric connections work fantastically in business networks, because it enables companies to be flexible with bandwidth usage and how it is distributed across the organisation.
Despite what you may think, symmetrical connections aren’t necessarily the most efficient choice. And the reason is simple: most office-bound tasks simply don’t need colossal amounts of upload bandwidth.
For instance, if the majority of internet usage at your place of work is focused on casual web browsing, research and small file transfers, there is a far greater requirement for download speed than there is upload. In such scenarios, symmetrical connections are simply wasted.
The advantages of asymmetrical networking
If you’re looking for a fast yet cost-effective networking solution, asymmetrical is generally the way to go.
Due to their relative simplicity, asymmetric networks offer straightforward installation and maintenance. Their fast download speeds and competent upload capabilities are more than enough for most business users.
Your network deserves a flexible, reliable form of data transfer, and with asymmetrical networking, it will gain a connection that’s steady, fast and dynamic enough to ensure bandwidth is spread evenly across the organisation.
Asymmetrical data flow make far more efficient use of the availability infrastructure, which is why it’s so beneficial for most business networks.
This is vitally important, because, like anything in business, unused assets and infrastructure are nothing more than a drain on the budget.
Operating expenses (opex) are of key concern for every business, and if your network relies on a symmetrical connection that transmits only a fraction of the data it’s capable of moving, you’re needlessly over spending on infrastructure.
And finally: a word on asymmetric networking and security
There are concerns about the way in which an asymmetric network can negatively affect data security, but they’re not wholly accurate.
Networks of this kind typically allow data packets to leave via one route and return via another. This makes them efficient and offers a high level of redundancy, but it doesn’t mean data security has to be compromised.
With the right security protocols and systems in place, an asymmetric network will be highly secure. Firewalls, malware protection and a system that enables you to view an asymmetric network as a single stream are all the tools you need to have sufficient levels of protection against cybercrime.
Asymmetric data communication delivers the flexibility that your network, workforce and future growth prospects deserve – don’t leave this vital element of infrastructure to chance.