Leased Line
A leased line, also known as a dedicated line or private line, is a service that provides a dedicated and continuous connection between two points or locations. Unlike traditional broadband or internet connections, which are shared among multiple users and subject to varying levels of traffic and congestion, a leased line offers a dedicated and uncontested connection. Here are some key characteristics and uses of leased lines:
- Dedicated Connection: Leased lines are typically leased from a telecommunications provider and provide a dedicated, point-to-point connection. This means that the bandwidth is reserved exclusively for the customer's use, ensuring consistent and predictable performance.
- Symmetrical Bandwidth: Leased lines offer symmetrical bandwidth, which means that the upload and download speeds are the same. This is in contrast to most consumer broadband connections, which typically have asymmetrical speeds with faster download than upload speeds.
- Reliability: Leased lines are known for their high reliability and availability. Service level agreements (SLAs) often guarantee a certain level of uptime, and providers typically offer rapid response times for troubleshooting and repairs.
- Low Latency: Leased lines typically have lower latency compared to shared internet connections. This low latency is important for applications that require real-time data transmission, such as voice and video conferencing or online gaming.
- Scalability: Leased lines can often be scaled up or down to meet changing bandwidth requirements. This flexibility is useful for businesses that may need to adjust their network capacity as their needs evolve.
- Security: Leased lines are considered more secure than shared internet connections because they are not susceptible to the same types of attacks, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, that can affect public internet connections.
- Cost: Leased lines are generally more expensive than traditional broadband or internet connections. The cost depends on factors like the distance between the two endpoints, the desired bandwidth, and the specific service level requirements.
In summary, a leased line is a dedicated and reliable telecommunications service that provides a private, symmetrical, and secure connection between two locations, making it suitable for various business-critical applications.
