A reliable connection is the foundation for cloud applications, calls, video meetings and work across locations.
What is business connectivity?
Business connectivity is the mix of internet access and network services that connects your people, premises, devices and cloud systems. It can include business broadband or a leased line, backup internet, managed Wi-Fi, routers, firewalls and links between sites. Stratiis helps organisations choose, install and support a setup that fits their applications, risk and budget.
The result
Connectivity built around the working day
Headline speed is only one part of a dependable service. We look at performance, support, resilience and the network inside the premises.
Steadier work
Capacity and network design support cloud tools, file transfers and hybrid teams.
Clearer calls
Stable connections and suitable local networks help voice and video traffic perform consistently.
Fewer single points of failure
Backup options and tested failover help maintain access when a primary service fails.
Clear fault ownership
One support route helps identify whether a problem sits with the circuit, router, Wi-Fi or application.
Recognise the problem
Slow and unreliable connections affect more than browsing
A connection can remain online while Teams calls freeze, a hosted phone call breaks up, cloud systems lag or backups fail to complete. A fast circuit will not fix weak office Wi-Fi, overloaded switches or an unsuitable router. Equally, replacing local equipment will not resolve an unreliable access service.
We trace the experience from the device through the local network and internet service to the application. That helps identify the cause and the right improvement instead of buying more speed by default.
Cloud and Microsoft 365
Assess user demand, upload capacity and reliability for everyday applications and backups.
Voice and video
Check congestion, delay, packet loss and Wi-Fi performance where real-time calls are affected.
Several locations
Make connectivity, equipment and support more consistent across offices and operational sites.
Core services
Choose the right access and network services
Availability and terms vary by address and provider. We compare the complete service, including upload, support commitments, installation, contract and the impact of an outage.
Business broadband
A practical option for many smaller offices. We assess both upload and download performance, support terms, router quality and the applications sharing the connection.
Leased lines
Dedicated, usually symmetrical capacity can suit sites with many users, large uploads or a need for stronger service commitments. Installation and cost differ from broadband.
Backup internet
A second fixed service or mobile connection can carry critical traffic when the main link fails. We consider diversity, automatic switching and regular testing.
Managed Wi-Fi
Coverage, capacity, building layout and guest access need a designed wireless network, not simply extra access points.
Multi-site networks
Standardised circuits, managed equipment and shared policies can simplify access and support across several locations.
Managed network equipment
Routers, firewalls, monitoring and secure remote access connect the service to the people and applications that need it.
Compare options
Business broadband or leased line?
The answer depends on the cost of disruption and the service terms you need. Full fibre describes the access medium; it does not by itself tell you whether a product is shared broadband or a dedicated leased line.
| Consideration | Business broadband | Leased line |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Product speeds and actual performance vary; upstream capacity may be lower than downstream. | Typically dedicated, committed and symmetrical capacity under the agreed service. |
| Support | Business support and repair terms vary by provider and package. | Usually sold with stronger contractual service and repair commitments; check the agreement. |
| Cost and installation | Often lower cost and simpler to obtain where service is available. | Generally higher cost and may require survey, build work and a longer lead time. |
| Best fit | Many offices with moderate demand and a suitable backup plan. | Sites with heavy cloud use, substantial uploads or a low tolerance for disruption. |
A fast broadband service with good failover may be a sensible choice. A leased line may be justified when predictable capacity and service commitments are critical. We compare quotes against real operational needs.
Capacity planning
How much internet speed does your business need?
There is no universal Mbps figure. The right capacity depends on concurrent users, cloud applications, video meetings, hosted voice, file transfers, backups, guest access and plans for growth. Upload matters as well as download, especially for video, sending large files and cloud backup.
We review actual demand and peaks, then look at latency, packet loss, Wi-Fi and network equipment. A service can have ample advertised bandwidth and still deliver poor calls if the local network is congested. Capacity should be reviewed when new sites, services or working patterns are introduced.
Resilience
What happens when your primary connection fails?
Start with the systems that must stay available: phones, customer contact, cloud applications and critical staff. A backup service can use another fixed circuit or 4G/5G, with a router that switches traffic when needed. The backup must have enough capacity for the work it is expected to carry.
Two connections do not always mean two independent routes. We consider provider, technology, physical route and building entry where those details are available, then test failover and recovery. If connectivity is part of business continuity, staff also need to know whom to call and what to do during an outage.
Inside the premises
Wi-Fi, routers and firewalls shape the experience
Wireless coverage should be planned for the building materials, floor plan, device density, meeting rooms and guest use. A survey can reveal dead zones or interference that a faster internet circuit will not cure. We can separate employee and visitor access and manage equipment across locations.
The router and firewall also affect security, remote access, voice quality and failover. We can manage updates, configuration, monitoring and replacement planning as part of the service. Access to business systems should follow the application and security requirements, whether staff work in an office, at home or on site.
Across locations
Connect offices, temporary sites and remote teams
Several locations often accumulate different providers, contract dates and equipment. We can standardise the services and support model while accounting for what is available at each address. Secure site-to-site access, central management and SD-WAN may be useful where there are multiple connections and applications to direct, but the added control needs to justify its cost.
For office moves, construction projects or a new site awaiting a fixed line, temporary 4G/5G or another interim service may keep essential work going. We size it for the expected users and applications; a temporary mobile connection may not support every high-bandwidth task.
Connected services
Designed for cloud, calling and continuity
Teams and video meetings
Frozen video or robotic sound may come from congestion, weak Wi-Fi, packet loss or local equipment. We check the route end to end before blaming the meeting platform. See Microsoft Teams Phone for business calling.
Hosted Voice
Voice uses modest bandwidth but is sensitive to delay, jitter and disruption. We review the underlying network before a move to cloud telephony. Explore Hosted Voice.
Security and access
Firewalls, secure Wi-Fi, segmented networks and controlled remote access help protect the route between people and services. The design should align with your wider security policy.
Business continuity
Define which applications can tolerate an outage, how calls will be handled, which users need priority and whether backup connectivity works in practice.
By organisation
Different teams need different priorities
An accountancy firm may prioritise secure access to cloud accounts and reliable file transfers. A housing association may need joined-up office, field and customer-contact services. Charities often balance resilience with tight budgets; professional services may rely heavily on remote collaboration. Multi-site organisations need visibility and consistent support across locations.
We design around the applications and people involved, rather than treating every postcode as the same requirement.
Buying well
What should a connectivity proposal tell you?
Ask for the available technology, expected upload and download performance, installation lead time, equipment, contract term, support hours, repair commitments and total costs. Clarify any static IP requirements and how backup connectivity will switch and be tested. Check who owns a fault when the circuit appears healthy but users still cannot work.
A good provider asks about users, sites, applications, telephone systems, remote work and tolerance for downtime before recommending a service. Ongoing reviews matter because the right connection today may not fit a growing business in two years.
Our process
From assessment to ongoing support
01
Discover
Understand users, sites, contracts, cloud services, calls, security and growth plans.
02
Audit
Review performance, Wi-Fi, equipment, resilience, fault history and single points of failure.
03
Compare
Check availability and explain costs, lead times, service terms and trade-offs.
04
Install
Coordinate providers, cabling, equipment, configuration and migration.
05
Test
Check applications, voice, Wi-Fi, remote access and failover before relying on the service.
06
Manage
Monitor faults and capacity, coordinate suppliers, update equipment and review changing needs.
Straight answers
Business connectivity FAQs
How much does business connectivity cost?
It depends on the address, service, capacity, equipment, contract and support commitments. We check availability and provide a proposal based on the sites and applications.
What is the difference between business and home broadband?
Business packages may offer different support, contract, equipment and IP options. The exact terms vary, so compare the whole service rather than the label.
What is a leased line?
A leased line is a dedicated connection that typically offers symmetrical, committed capacity and contractual service commitments.
Does every business need a leased line?
No. Business broadband can be suitable where demand and outage tolerance allow, particularly with a tested backup service.
How much internet speed do we need?
We assess users, simultaneous applications, uploads, voice and video, backup traffic and growth. There is no one-size-fits-all number.
Do we need backup internet?
If an outage would interrupt critical work or customer contact, a suitable backup deserves consideration. Its design should reflect what must keep running.
Can backup internet switch automatically?
Yes, when the router and services are configured for failover. We test both the switch and return to the primary connection.
Can you improve our office Wi-Fi?
Yes. We assess coverage, interference, capacity, security and device use, then design and manage an appropriate wireless network.
Can you connect several offices?
Yes. We can coordinate access, managed equipment, security policies and support across multiple locations.
What is SD-WAN?
Software-defined wide area networking uses central policies to manage traffic across connections and sites. It can help some multi-site organisations; we assess whether it is worthwhile.
Will better broadband improve Teams calls?
It may help if capacity or the access line is the problem. Wi-Fi, local equipment, congestion and packet loss can also affect calls, so we investigate first.
Can Stratiis supply connectivity and Hosted Voice?
Yes. Planning the network and calling service together helps identify performance and resilience requirements before deployment.
How long does a leased line take to install?
Lead times vary by location, survey, provider and any construction work. We confirm the expected schedule after checking availability.
Can we keep working during an office move?
Often, yes. We can plan the transition and assess interim connectivity while a permanent service is installed, subject to coverage and capacity.
What happens when the internet goes down?
A tested backup may carry essential traffic. Without one, your continuity plan should cover calls, critical users, alternative locations and supplier escalation.
Build on a stronger connection
Tell us where connectivity is slowing people down or creating risk. We can review the current service and recommend practical options for performance, resilience and support.
Book a Business Connectivity Review
Call 0141 348 7960 or email sales@stratiis.com.
