What is Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)?
Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) is a premium internet service that provides businesses with a direct and private connection to the internet. Unlike shared internet services, where bandwidth is divided among multiple users, DIA offers a dedicated, high-speed connection solely for your business. This ensures consistent performance, reliable speeds, and enhanced security.
How do DIA services work?
DIA services involve establishing a direct link between your business premises and the internet service provider’s (ISP) network. This is typically achieved through fibre optic cables, which offer high-speed and high-capacity data transmission.
Unlike shared broadband services, the local loop in DIA is dedicated to your business, ensuring that the bandwidth is not shared with other users.
Dedicated internet access providers
Here are the top three to five factors to consider when choosing a dedicated internet access provider:
| Consideration | Additional detail |
|---|---|
| Reliability and uptime guarantees | Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and guarantees on uptime, latency, jitter, and packet loss. Redundancy Measures, failover mechanisms and network monitoring. |
| Speed and Performance | Consider symmetrical speeds and the ability to be able to scale your bandwidth up or down as your requirements change. |
| Security Features | Consider security measures including encryption, firewalls and DDoS protection. |
| Customer Support and Service | Look for a provider that offers 24/7 technical support. Check average response and resolution times. Some providers also offer dedicated account managers. |
| Cost and Value for Money | Ensure the provider offers clear and transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Check what’s included e.g. installation fees, equipment costs, and any additional services. Consider any additional value-add or bundled services. |
Dedicated Internet Access pricing
Dedicated internet access pricing is typically based on a combination of the following factors:
- Bandwidth and speed
- SLA
- Geographic location
- Installation and setup fees
- Contract terms
- Additional features and services
Shared vs Dedicated Internet Access
Shared Internet Access involves bandwidth that is shared among multiple users, resulting in variable speeds and potential slowdowns during peak times, with limited service guarantees and higher security risks. It is generally less expensive and suitable for smaller businesses or residential use.
In contrast, Dedicated Internet Access provides a private, exclusive connection with guaranteed bandwidth, consistent performance, and robust Service Level Agreements (SLAs) ensuring high reliability and uptime.
Leased Line vs Dedicated Internet Access
Leased lines and Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) both provide dedicated, high-performance internet connectivity. There is no difference between the two.
Dedicated Internet Access has several names and might also be referred to as a Leased Line, a Dedicated Leased Line or DIA (Direct Internet Access). For further information visit our Leased Line product page or Direct Internet Access product page.
Direct Internet Access vs Dedicated Internet Access
Similar to Leased Lines (above), Direct Internet Access and Dedicated Internet Access are often used interchangeably in the telecommunications industry. There is no difference between the two.
Direct Internet Access, Leased Line and Dedicated Internet Access all refer to the same type of premium internet service for businesses with guaranteed performance, symmetrical speeds, high reliability, enhanced security, and scalability.
IP transit vs Dedicated Internet Access
IP Transit is a service where an Internet Service Provider (ISP) allows traffic from a customer’s network to pass through its network to reach the broader internet, often used by ISPs, data centers, and large enterprises for global internet routing with extensive control over routing policies.
Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), on the other hand, offers a direct, dedicated link from a business premises to the internet with guaranteed bandwidth, consistent speeds, and robust Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ideal for businesses needing reliable and high-performance internet access.
While IP Transit is tailored for extensive network control and routing flexibility, DIA focuses on providing reliable, high-speed internet connectivity for general business use. For further information visit our IP Transit product page.
