Networking Support

Leased Line Alternatives to Save Money

May 12, 2024

Farewell to the Ol’ Leased Line

As a tech enthusiast and self-proclaimed “network ninja,” I’ve seen my fair share of data connectivity solutions come and go. And let me tell you, the ol’ leased line is starting to feel more and more like a relic from the past. Sure, it had its heyday – offering that rock-solid, dedicated bandwidth that businesses craved. But these days, the leased line is starting to feel a bit like a dinosaur, groaning under the weight of its own outdated technology and sky-high price tag.

But fear not, my fellow cost-conscious techies! There’s a whole world of leased line alternatives out there, just waiting to liberate you from the shackles of those pricey private circuits. And today, I’m going to take you on a journey to explore some of the best options that can help you save a pretty penny while still keeping your network humming along like a well-oiled machine.

The Rise of MPLS

One of the first and most obvious alternatives to the traditional leased line is the mighty MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) [1]. This bad boy has been steadily gaining traction in the world of wide-area networking, and for good reason. Unlike the dedicated nature of a leased line, MPLS taps into a shared infrastructure, using those handy-dandy “labels” to keep your data secure and separate from the rest of the traffic [1].

The beauty of MPLS is that it’s often significantly more cost-effective than leased lines, especially when you need to connect multiple sites [1]. And with the added flexibility and scalability, it’s no wonder that MPLS has been giving the old leased line a run for its money. But don’t just take my word for it – the folks over at Stack Exchange have waxed poetic about the virtues of MPLS, noting that it can offer a more “cost-effective and scalable solution” compared to leased lines [1].

Bonding for Bandwidth Bliss

Now, if you’re the type who craves raw, unadulterated bandwidth, you might be tempted to stick with those pricey leased lines. But hold on to your socks, my friends, because there’s another option that can give you the bandwidth you crave without the hefty price tag: bond baby, bond!

That’s right, by leveraging the power of broadband bonding, you can create a virtual “super-circuit” that combines the bandwidth of multiple internet connections [2]. And the best part? You can do this with relatively inexpensive internet services, like good ol’ BT Infinity. As my pal Martin over at Pluss Connect discovered, by bonding 10 BT Infinity circuits, he was able to create a whopping 250Mbps down and 150Mbps up connection – all for a mere £3,120 per year [2]. That’s a savings of nearly £9,000 compared to his old 10Mbps leased line!

The Rise of the Underdog

But wait, there’s more! While MPLS and broadband bonding are certainly becoming more mainstream, there’s a whole world of lesser-known leased line alternatives out there, just waiting to be discovered. Take, for example, the humble “Radio over IP” solution [5]. This tech allows you to transmit data over wireless radio links, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional leased lines. And the best part? It can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re a public safety agency [5] or just a small business looking to save a few bucks.

And let’s not forget about the good ol’ fiber-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) option [2]. Sure, it might not have the same level of reliability as a leased line, but for many businesses, the cost savings can be more than worth it. As Martin discovered, BT’s Infinity product was able to provide him with a 20Mbps down and 15Mbps up connection for just £26 per circuit – a far cry from the £12,000 per year he was shelling out for his old 10Mbps leased line [2].

The Leased Line Replacement Roadmap

So, you’re convinced that it’s time to ditch those outdated leased lines and embrace the wonderful world of leased line alternatives. But where do you even start? Well, fear not, my friends, because the good folks at TC Communications have got you covered [5].

According to their LinkedIn post, they’ve helped countless organizations transition from their old copper leased lines to more modern, cost-effective solutions. And they even claim that a typical public safety agency can save an average of $50,000 per year by making the switch [5]. Now, that’s the kind of savings that can make even the most jaded IT manager do a little happy dance.

But the real magic happens when you follow their 3-step roadmap for leased line replacement [5]. First, they’ll help you assess your current setup and identify the best alternative options. Then, they’ll work with you to implement the new solution, ensuring a seamless transition. And finally, they’ll provide ongoing support to make sure your new network is running like a well-oiled machine.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to bid farewell to those pricey leased lines and embrace the brave new world of leased line alternatives. Trust me, your wallet will thank you.