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One constant challenge for IT organizations is the balance between network capacity, user experience, and cost. When bandwidth limitations are too low during high traffic periods, your network will slow down, negatively affecting performance and user experience. The challenge for most organizations these days is determining how much estimated bandwidth is needed and when — especially since traffic spikes of evolving remote and hybrid work models no longer conform to old predictable patterns.

Even Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which allow users to send and receive data across public networks as if they were directly connected to the private network, can be affected by spikes in traffic. During peak usage, bandwidth may need to be increased to reduce latency and allow for a better flow of data between the point of VPN access and the private network source. Preparation, planning, and flexibility are key to meeting the needs of new and often unpredictable bandwidth usage demands.

The Solution: Burstable Bandwidth
Burstable bandwidth is the most flexible and cost-effective solution to scale bandwidth as needed and ensure optimal network connectivity without experiencing latency issues because it compensates for the unpredictability of how much bandwidth is needed and when it is needed. Bursting is an operationally efficient option as compared to fixed bandwidth solutions since it allows a user to automatically exceed a specified usage limit without changing the higher Committed Information Rate (CIR). It is also cost-effective because you are not obligated to a higher cost bandwidth than needed for most of the time.

Lightpath offers multiple burstable bandwidth options that enable organizations to select a base bandwidth and burst rate for peak periods of usage without needing to sign up for a more expensive and higher continuous level of service. The solution automatically provides network capacity beyond the committed bandwidth rate when needed. There is also flexibility to increase or cap bandwidth to fit the real-time network demands. This is extremely helpful in responding to changing needs.

Burstable bandwidth from Lightpath is available at either a fixed rate or 95th percentile approach. Under a fixed-rate plan, customers define how much burstable bandwidth they need and ration that amount at a flat rate. The 95th percentile burstable billing option is more of a flexible pay-as-you-go model approach that makes sense for networks that only occasionally experience traffic spikes. Considering that some networks are overprovisioned and commonly only use about 95% of their available bandwidth on average, a 95th percentile plan tracks bandwidth usage and removes the top five percent of usage periods before charging for overages.

Burstable bandwidth is also a cost-effective solution considering that there are no additional equipment needs to be purchased to increase or decrease tiers and transport speed. Organizations pay for only what they need, when they need it.

Lightpath takes a consultative approach to help determine your current and potential burst needs so that you have the intelligence, automation, and awareness needed to make the best, most cost-effective bandwidth decisions for your organization. We provide Bandwidth Utilization Reports to help keep track of your usage as your needs evolve over time.

To see how Lightpath can help your organization control costs while satisfying your critical bandwidth needs, contact us at 877-544-4872 or visit lightpathfiber.com.