Dedicated vs Shared Internet: What Does Your Office Need?

Every business today runs on the internet — billing software, WhatsApp orders, video calls, CCTV, cloud backups. But not every business needs the same kind of connection. The big choice is between shared internet (like home fiber) and dedicated internet (often called CIR).

Shared internet, simply explained

With shared internet, the capacity of the network is shared among many users. Most of the time you get your full package speed, but at the busiest hours speeds can dip. It is very good value and perfect for homes, small shops and many small offices.

Dedicated internet (CIR)

CIR means Committed Information Rate: a guaranteed amount of bandwidth reserved only for you, all day and all night. Dedicated links usually come with:

• Equal upload and download — important for servers, cloud backups and video conferencing.
• A service level agreement (SLA) — committed uptime and repair times.
• Static IP addresses — for remote access, servers and VPNs.
• Priority support from engineers who know your setup.

Which one is right for you?

Shared fiber is usually enough if…

• You are a shop, clinic or small office with a few computers.
• A short slowdown at peak time would not stop your business.
• You mainly browse, use WhatsApp and run cloud apps.

Choose dedicated internet if…

• You are a bank branch, hospital, school, software house, call centre or factory.
• Many staff are on video calls or upload large files every day.
• You host a server, run a VPN between branches or need guaranteed uptime.
• Downtime costs you money every minute.

Middle option: many growing offices start with business fiber plus a static IP, then move to dedicated bandwidth as they grow.

Connecting branches

If you have more than one location — a shop and a warehouse, or two branches — a point-to-point fiber link or a VPN over static IPs lets them share software, cameras and printers as if they were in one building.

Frequently asked questions