Pub. 9 2014-2015 Issue 5

www.nebankers.org 18 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. I N THIS AGE OF EVER-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESSES are relying more andmore on high-speed data networks for everything from online services to voice and video products. Finding a stable and highly reliable broadband platform is crucial for reliable performance. Copper T1 lines have long been the backbone solution for running data and online services for locations. For many years T1s were up to the task; however, as data needs have grown along with the emergence of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone services and live video feeds, these networks have begun to lose their efficiency because of the cost for multiple T1s bonded together and the aging copper network on which they run. The good news is fiber optic broadband services are be- ing deployed at a rapid pace all across the state of Nebraska. Fiber broadband is a state-of-the-art technology that provides businesses a data service that can easily handle VoIP systems along with video conferencing and seamless access to online services. Fiber optic broadband is designed for modern technology and, because of the efficiency with which it operates, allows for much more affordable rates for the customer. Copper networks originally were designed for voice communications and later were adapted for data services. Because of this, these networks are much more expensive to run and require much more maintenance. Security is always a hot button topic when it comes to operating in an online environment. Fiber networks offer a high degree of security compared to Copper T1s. Fiber optic cable doesn’t radiate signals and is extremely difficult to tap. The big question is, when is it time to look at your network and see if it’s time to migrate from copper to fiber? If your business operates overmultiple locations, or if you are looking at deploying a VoIP phone system or online video conferenc- ing, then the answer is easy. In order to run reliably, these new technologies require bandwidth and a lot of it. The cost to run these services on a copper-based network is extremely high compared to fiber. Companies operating at one location with a lot of workers utilizing online services require a larger, more stable connection to the internet. With a fiber broadband service, speed easily can be scaled upward withminimal cost. Copper-based networks would require more T1s to be added, at a much higher cost, in order to meet these growing needs. It’s always good practice for companies to consistently review the data network platform upon which they base their business processes. Technology is moving at such a rapid pace that even communication service providers are working overtime to keep up. The one technology that has not seen its potential tapped yet is fiber optics. With that in mind, mov- ing your data, voice, video, and online services to this type of network will provide a stable platform for years to come.  When to Migrate from Copper to Fiber Jay Anderson , NebraskaLink LLC For more information, contact Jay Anderson at NebraskaLink LLC at (402) 817-1837 or jay.anderson@nebraskalink.com. NebraskaLink is a statewide fiber optic network that provides online services for government, education, medical, financial, and enterprise business customers. Anderson has been with NebraskaLink since 2013 and is currently an account executive with the company.