Shared Access Services

Shared Internet access is a service where multiple users or businesses use the same network connection, meaning the total bandwidth is shared among them. This is common for residential customers and small businesses. While cost-effective, it can lead to slower speeds during peak usage times when many users are on the network simultaneously. Common delivery methods include DSL, business cable, and fiber-based networks that serve multiple customers from a single line. 

Key Characteristics

• Shared Bandwidth: All users on a shared circuit compete for the same pool of bandwidth. This means that during "peak usage periods" (like evenings for residential or business hours for commercial), speeds can slow down significantly due to network congestion.

• "Up To" Speeds: Service providers advertise speeds with the phrase "up to" a certain maximum, as they cannot guarantee the actual speed you will receive at any given moment. The actual performance is a "best effort" service.

• Cost-Effective: Shared access is typically the most affordable form of internet service because the cost of the connection infrastructure is spread across many different subscribers.

• Asynchronous Speeds: These connections often feature asynchronous speeds, meaning the download speed is much faster than the upload speed, which is generally fine for typical home use (downloading content) but less ideal for businesses needing to upload large files or host video conferences.

• No Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Unlike dedicated internet access, shared services usually do not come with an SLA that guarantees minimum performance levels, uptime, or rapid repair times in the event of an outage. 

Common Technologies

Examples of network technologies that typically use a shared access model include:

• Cable Broadband: Internet delivered over coaxial or a hybrid fiber/cable network.

• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Internet provided over existing copper telephone lines.

• GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Networks) Fiber: While fiber-based, a single fiber line from the service provider is designed to serve multiple customers. 

* For businesses requiring guaranteed performance, reliability, and security, a dedicated internet access (DIA) connection is the alternative, albeit more expensive, option.