Nov 26, 2024 | Small Business
As we approach the mid-2020s, businesses face rapidly evolving technological trends that promise to reshape industries and redefine operational standards. To stay competitive and thrive in this dynamic environment, it's crucial for businesses to anticipate and adapt to upcoming changes.
To help small businesses keep up, we highlight below some essential tech tips to prepare your business for 2025. With these suggestions and the power, speed, and reliability of FPUAnet Communications’ advanced fiber network, your business will be more efficient and effective than ever.
1. Increase Cybersecurity
Our first tip is simply critical to every small business—step up your cybersecurity game. As cyber threats are on the rise and becoming more sophisticated, robust cybersecurity measures are imperative to protect your business data and infrastructure.
- Regularly Update Software: Ensure all software and systems are up to date with the latest security patches. Outdated software can be a vulnerability for cyberattacks. And if you haven’t already, make sure you install anti-virus and anti-malware software on all your business’s devices, and keep them updated too.
- Adopt Advanced Security Solutions: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to safeguard sensitive information.
- Educate Your Team: Conduct regular cybersecurity oversight and training sessions to educate employees about phishing, password management, and safe online practices.
2. Make the Move to Cloud Computing
Cloud computing continues to revolutionize how businesses manage data and applications. Most impressively, among its many benefits, cloud-based computing enhances teamwork and file sharing.
- Migrate to the Cloud: Evaluate your current infrastructure and consider migrating to cloud-based solutions for better scalability and flexibility. Cloud services can enhance collaboration, data storage, and disaster recovery.
- Adopt Hybrid Cloud Models: For added flexibility, explore hybrid cloud solutions that combine on-premises infrastructure with cloud services. This approach can optimize performance and cost-efficiency.
- Ensure Cloud Security: Implement security measures specific to cloud environments, including access controls, data encryption, and regular audits. Regularly remind staff to keep up their own security and password protections on their business devices when accessing the cloud, as well.
3. Enhance Remote Work Capabilities
Though it was once a small minority of the workforce, which ballooned during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has greatly increased in America and around the world. Indeed, the trend toward remote work isn’t going away anytime soon. Thus, it’s important for small businesses to optimize remote work infrastructure and make it as efficient and productive as possible.
- Adopt Collaboration Tools: Invest in collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom to facilitate communication, file sharing, and project management among remote teams.
- Ensure Network Security: Implement secure remote access solutions, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and secure Wi-Fi networks, to protect remote work environments.
- Support Work-Life Balance: Provide resources and support for remote employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which can improve productivity and job satisfaction. Also, consider ways to foster team building and social interaction among remote workgroups to replace the lack of “water cooler” camaraderie typical at a brick-and-mortar office.
4. Focus on Data Analytics
Small businesses thrive—or wilt—on their margins. Thus, with uncertainty in the marketplace and world events, data-driven decision-making will be more critical than ever. Data analytics can help small businesses forecast trends and stay on top of their bottom dollar too.
- Invest in Advanced Analytics Tools: Use tools and platforms that offer predictive analytics and real-time insights. These tools can help you make informed decisions based on current trends and future projections.
- Develop a Data Strategy: Create a comprehensive data strategy that includes data collection, storage, and analysis. Ensure data quality and integrity to support accurate decision-making.
- Leverage Big Data: Utilize big data technologies to analyze large volumes of information from diverse sources. This can uncover valuable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and operational efficiencies.
5. Explore Emerging Technologies
No matter how successful a business has been over a given year or two, most small business owners will tell you never to rest on your laurels! Innovation and new ideas—and, of course, new technologies—are critical to keeping up with the competition and growing any business. Stay ahead of the curve by keeping an eye on emerging technologies and similar trends that could impact your business and industry.
- Implement AI Tools: Begin integrating AI-driven tools for data analysis, customer service, and marketing. For instance, chatbots can handle routine customer inquiries, freeing up human resources for more complex tasks.
- Blockchain: Explore how blockchain technology can improve transparency, security, and efficiency in transactions and data management.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Investigate how AR and VR can enhance customer experiences, training programs, and product demonstrations. When properly developed and implemented, AR and VR can truly separate your marketing from the competition.
Preparing your business for 2025 involves understanding and leveraging advanced technologies, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering a culture of innovation. By utilizing these tips, you can position your business for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
And for more ways FPUAnet Communications’ high-speed fiber internet can help keep your business ahead of the pack, follow our social pages!
Nov 21, 2024 | Uncategorized, Why Fiber Optics?, Why Fiber?
Consumers today face an abundance of choices for high-speed internet. And since you're already paying for a data plan with your cell phone service provider, you may also wonder if you should use that company for your internet service.
In this article, we explain what cellular internet is and why fiber is far and away the better choice for most consumers.
Your neighbors at FPUAnet Communications are proud to have the fastest and most reliable internet you can get. And we're especially thrilled that our internet speeds can keep up with major metropolitan areas around the country, helping our communities compete in the global economy.
Read on to learn more about these two technologies and why fiber is your best choice—and that, yes, you really do need a separate fiber connection for high-speed internet.
What is Cellular or Wireless/5G Internet?
With all the high-speed internet options available today, it's not surprising that customers need clarification when choosing an internet provider.
And it's not only the technology that's complicated—even the names of different internet-related products and services can be so similar and complicate things further!
So what is cellular or wireless/5G internet? Let's start with what cellular or wireless internet is not. First, wireless internet is not the same thing as Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi disperses internet signal throughout a home or office so that all your devices—smart TVs, laptops, tablets, cell phones, smart speakers, etc.—can be connected to the internet without a wired connection.
Thus, just like other kinds of internet (cable, satellite, or fiber), cellular or wireless internet enters the home or business and is distributed by Wi-Fi through the Wi-Fi router or related technology. Most customers will still use Wi-Fi and a router unless they plan to hardwire every connection to every device, which is highly uncommon.
Cellular or wireless internet, also known as 4G or 5G internet, is delivered by cell phone towers. Instead of being delivered by a hardwired connection like coaxial cable or fiber, cellular or wireless internet is transmitted “through the air.”
While it can often deliver decent speeds, wireless or 5G internet is notorious for service interruptions due to obstructions from other structures. And because cellular/wireless or 5G internet is totally dependent on the number of cell phone towers dispersing signal—and even more crucially, the distance a customer is from a cell phone tower—their speeds and quality of the connection can greatly vary.
What is Fiber Internet?
Fiber internet's advanced materials and technology make it the fastest and most reliable form of internet on the market today. Short for “fiber optic” internet, fiber utilizes fiber optic cable, which consists of hundreds of densely packed strands of glass inside the cord.
The fiber optic cable connects directly to your home or business before being dispersed to your devices. Pulses of light transmit internet data along these glass hairs at near light speed!
Due to fiber's impressive components and infrastructure, it has a vastly greater capacity to handle and transmit all the online data that you use daily—from social media, documents, and emails to music, gaming, and television.
Fiber also has higher upload speeds, which is used when your device sends information back to the server (or other internet users). Higher upload speeds are essential for stable and clear video calls and conferences.
Only fiber can power a household full of devices at once without causing slowdowns on any of them—making it the #1 choice for modern households.
So, What's the Difference Between Fiber Internet and Cellular/Wireless (5G) Internet?
The connection-type is the first key distinction between fiber and cellular/wireless internet.
Importantly, fiber is “hardwired.” Its internet signal enters your premises through physical wiring, not cellular or wireless 5G signal sent through the air.
This distinction means that obstructions like trees and other buildings can't stop fiber's excellent speeds from delivering internet to your home or business. Fiber internet also has far greater bandwidth capacity than cellular/wireless internet because its materials can carry much more information than wireless signal can.
There are other significant disadvantages to cellular/wireless/5G internet service.
Remember that cellular service prioritizes its originally intended purpose—providing mobile phone service. That one function takes up most of cellular's capacity to transmit data. Thus, cellular internet services lack the power to consistently provide the data you need to enjoy the online activities you love, like streaming movies and TV, video calling and conferences, online gaming and so much more.
But it gets even worse. To deal with the ever-growing demand for data, cellular companies reduce the speed and quality of their internet service to prevent internet users from gobbling up too much of their data capacity.
That's why cellular companies enforce data caps on their internet services, which significantly limit or even outright prevent you from doing the online activities you've come to enjoy.
They also employ “throttling,” another annoying practice that slows down bandwidth—and your entire internet performance.
While some companies only do this after you've reached a certain pre-determined amount of data usage each month, others throttle your broadband anytime and for any reason. For countless customers, these restrictions are extremely frustrating.
On the other hand, fiber internet never has data caps or bandwidth throttling because its superior technology doesn't get overwhelmed like cellular/wireless internet. Fiber's high bandwidth capacity and fast upload (as well as download) speeds can handle just about everything online without data caps, throttling, or other intentional slowdowns.
Fiber's Superior Security
But fiber's advantages over cellular/wireless internet extend well beyond fiber's superior speed and reliability (as essential as they are). Better data security is another reason to choose fiber.
Because cellular/wireless internet requires a signal to transmit “over the air,” it is susceptible to being intercepted.
Wireless internet is especially prone to a particular cybercrime known as a DDoS Attack—short for “Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attack.” DDoS attacks overwhelm servers and slow down traffic, even jeopardizing sensitive data. And DDoS attacks are unfortunately on the rise.
Fiber, on the other hand, is hardwired straight to your walls—its internet flies through fiber optic cable without needing to disperse signal through the air. Thus, fiber's advanced technology provides a layer of protection and security from hackers, scammers, and other criminals that cellular or wireless internet simply cannot.
From faster speeds to more reliable signals, a more secure connection, and greater capacity to carry out more online activities from multiple devices simultaneously, fiber internet stands ahead of cellular/wireless 5G internet.
For more information on fiber internet and why it's your best choice for high-speed internet, feel free to reach out to the knowledgeable support team at FPUAnet Communications. We’re local and here to serve you!
Nov 4, 2024 | Why Fiber Optics?, Why Fiber?
Thanks to its exceptional speed, reliability, and capacity to handle applications with high data demands, fiber internet has become increasingly popular in America. It powers our work and our play, elevating our video conferencing, streaming, and gaming experiences. Indeed, as of late 2023, fiber internet has simply exploded, with more than 50% of all U.S. households now connected to fiber! And demand for this essential technology is only growing across the country.
To highlight the need for more communities to experience the many benefits of fiber internet technology, FPUAnet Communications is proud to observe the annual celebration of “Gimme Fiber Internet Day” on November 4. Below, we discuss in greater depth this unofficial but globally recognized holiday, which highlights the transformative impact that fiber-optic technology has on our digital lives, while raising awareness of the need to connect more isolated and underrepresented communities to this amazing technology.
Gimme Fiber Day Highlights Scientific Achievement
Since its inception in 2013, Gimme Fiber Day has been celebrated on November 4 for a fundamental reason: it’s the birthdate of one of the twentieth century’s most consequential and prominent physicists, Sir Charles Kuen Kao. Though he’s not exactly a household name, Dr. Kao helped change the course of internet history with his groundbreaking research into fiber optic applications—enough so to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 “for services to fiber optic communications.”
A native of Shanghai, China, but a holder of U.S. and British citizenship, Dr. Kao was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009 “for groundbreaking achievements concerning the transmission of light in fibers for optical communication.” To put it in simpler terms, Dr. Kao was rightly honored for helping the scientific community understand and develop how fiber can deliver the fastest and most reliable internet straight to your home. Thus, November 4 is an especially fitting day to give a shoutout to fiber internet technology!
Fiber Internet’s Many Benefits
Beyond just recognizing scientific achievements, Gimme Fiber Day also offers an annual opportunity to recognize the substantial benefits of fiber-optic internet to our daily lives. Below are just four of the many reasons why fiber-optic internet is a game changer:
- Lightning-Fast Internet Speeds: Fiber-optic connections offer significantly faster speeds compared to traditional copper cables used in DSL or cable internet. With download and upload speeds that can reach gigabit levels, fiber internet supports high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers with ease.
- Greater Bandwidth: Fiber networks can handle much larger amounts of data at any given moment compared to old-school internet systems like cable. This high bandwidth capability ensures that multiple users can stream TV and movies, conduct video conference calling, upload and download videos, and browse the web simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
- High Reliability: Fiber internet is less susceptible to interference and signal degradation compared to other types of broadband, like cable or DSL. Fiber’s tiny, glass-like “hairs” are more flexible and much harder to break or shred than copper-based components. This means more consistent and reliable service, even during peak usage times or adverse weather conditions.
- Future-Proof Technology: Fiber technology is considered “future-proof” because it has the potential to support even higher speeds as technology advances. This scalability makes fiber a long-term investment in maintaining cutting-edge internet performance.
Additionally, Gimme Fiber Day is an excellent time to celebrate the advancements in fiber internet technology and recognize its significance to our economy and way of life. But even more significantly, Gimme Fiber Day is a particularly keen time to advocate for the expansion of fiber-optic networks across America. Here are three specific ways to make your voice heard this Gimme Fiber Day:
- Spread the Word Among Your Peers: Use your social media accounts to share information about the benefits of fiber internet, both to individual users and the community as a whole. You might post about how it has improved your online experiences or provide tips for those interested in upgrading their internet service.
- Support Local Initiatives: Many communities are working to expand access to fiber internet. Support local government initiatives or advocacy groups working to bring fiber broadband to underserved or more isolated areas. This could involve attending meetings, participating in community campaigns, or contacting local officials.
- Contact Members of Congress: Just about every year, there are new proposals to expand broadband access across America, as well as to help provide financial support for more financially strapped families to help pay for their internet, including at the federal level. Take the time to learn about these proposals and reach out to your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators to tell them to support efforts to expand critical fiber internet access far and wide.
Gimme Fiber Day is a superb occasion to embrace and celebrate the advancements that are shaping the future of digital connectivity. By highlighting the benefits of fiber internet, from its blazing-fast speeds to its reliability and future-proof scalability, this day encourages us to appreciate and advocate for better internet connectivity for everyone.
To learn more about fiber internet in our area, check out FPUAnet Communications’ website and social pages. Our friendly and knowledgeable team members are here to answer your questions about the fiber difference.
Oct 2, 2024 | Uncategorized
With the days growing shorter and the leaves turning auburn, there are sure signs of autumn in the air—and, of course, the return of football! From exhilarating college ranking upsets to record-setting NFL action, the 2024-2025 football season promises to be one of the most thrilling in years. And as many football games are now available to stream through FPUAnet Communications’ reliable and fast fiber network, it’s easier than ever to catch all the action from the comfort of your home—and with pristine picture quality, too.
But with the dizzying number of streaming apps and channels available today, navigating the various streaming options can get somewhat overwhelming. Our guide will help you find where to stream college and NFL football this season, so you can watch every big play live as it happens!
Selecting a Live TV Streaming Service
Your first step to enjoying live college and NFL football without a cable cord is to choose a live streaming TV service. While there are many apps that will showcase top games or even contests from a particular conference, to watch the most number of games, you’ll first need a service that provides live game coverage.
Of course, there are several live TV streaming services you can pick. Hulu + Live TV and FuboTV are two excellent, all-around live TV options, each with their own perks. However, for reasons we lay out below, die-hard football fans, especially of the NFL, might want to choose YouTube TV.
YouTube TV offers college football coverage through channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN. It also comes with an unlimited DVR, giving you all the storage, you need to record games and watch them later. Be sure to check out all the live TV streaming services and pick out the one that best meets your needs—just be sure the app you ultimately decide on offers the major networks in your service area!
As the college football season kicks off first, we begin with the apps and channels that stream games this year. You’ll want to make sure to add at least some of these apps to get the most amount of coverage. Apart from a live TV streaming app, the three apps and channels below are particularly useful for college football fans:
- ESPN+ streams a variety of college football games, including those from smaller conferences and non-primetime slots. It also has a surprising amount of on-demand content and exclusive shows for thoughtful and entertaining analysis.
- Paramount+ is key for fans to watch games broadcasted on CBS. As several marquee games are broadcasted regularly on CBS, Paramount+ may be another essential app for many college football fans.
- Peacock livestreams games from NBC, including the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Similar to what Paramount+ does for CBS’s college coverage, having Peacock helps fill-in coverage of network-broadcasted college games.
Streaming the NFL
For NFL fans, selecting a live streaming TV service is critical, as most Sunday day games are broadcast on CBS and Fox. To round out the corners, however, you need other apps.
For example, if you haven’t gotten your fill during the Sunday day games, you’ll need Peacock, home to Sunday Night Football games. Similarly, for Monday Night Football, check out ESPN, which streams most Monday Night Football games (other than certain occasional match-ups available only ESPN+ or ABC). And because fans need football four nights a week, Amazon’s Prime Video hosts Thursday Night Football, as well!
However, by far the most complete coverage of Sunday games is NFL Sunday Ticket, available exclusively on YouTube TV. While on the pricier side, NFL Sunday Ticket lets viewers watch every out-of-market NFL Sunday game of any team. So, if you’ve relocated from your home team’s TV market to another state or region, you’ll be able to enjoy every minute of your team’s Sunday games, just as you did before you moved!
With numerous streaming options available, catching every college or NFL game this fall is easier than ever. By choosing the right package of apps and platforms, you can enjoy all the excitement of football season without missing a single play—or needing to keep a clunky cable box around!
Just contact FPUAnet Communications today to get the reliable internet you need to stream all your favorite games this football season and beyond!
Sep 9, 2024 | Family
In recent years, telehealth has emerged as a convenient and effective alternative to traditional in-person medical consultations. With advancements in technology and growing acceptance from both patients and healthcare providers, it’s important to understand when telehealth is a suitable option and when a traditional doctor visit is necessary.
To help guide you and your family’s decision making about whether telehealth care is right for you, we’ve gathered advice from healthcare experts in the field. We’re honored to bring you the fast, reliable internet you need with download and upload speeds that can support telehealth services when you need them most!
The Essentials of Telehealth
At its most basic, telehealth involves using digital platforms such as video conference calls or online chat-and-text messaging to consult with healthcare providers. Like brick-and-mortar medical offices, telehealth providers can include physicians with medical degrees, trained and experienced physician assistants, registered nurses, and many other healthcare practitioners.
Telehealth offers several benefits to patients, including:
- Convenience: Access to healthcare from the comfort of your home, avoiding travel and long waits (and reducing risk of catching or spreading contagious illnesses);
- Accessibility: Reach specialists who may not be available locally; and
- Cost-Effectiveness: Often less expensive than in-person visits.
When to Choose Telehealth
Given the above advantages, many patients might be ready to switch to telehealth immediately! That said, some health issues are more amenable to telehealth than others, while other conditions likely require an in-person visit.
The following four common healthcare needs are tailor-made for telehealth:
- Minor Health Concerns: For non-urgent issues such as mild allergies, colds, or skin conditions, telehealth provides a quick way to receive advice and prescriptions. If the symptoms are straightforward and not severe, a telehealth consultation can save time and avoid unnecessary exposure to other patients in a waiting room.
- Routine Follow-Ups and Chronic Disease Management: Telehealth is ideal for managing chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or hypertension. Regular follow-up appointments can often be conducted virtually, where doctors can monitor your progress and adjust your medication without requiring you to come in.
- Medication Refills: If you need a prescription refill or have a question about your medication, telehealth can facilitate these needs efficiently. Telehealth providers can review your medication history and provide prescriptions or adjustments without requiring a physical exam.
- Mental Health Services: Mental health consultations, including therapy and counseling, can be effectively managed through telehealth. The virtual format can offer a level of comfort and privacy that helps patients discuss sensitive issues more openly.
When to Opt for an In-Person Doctor Visit
Despite the convenience of a telehealth visit, there are still plenty of circumstances where an in-person, face-to-face medical consultation is recommended. And plenty of health professionals will even require an office visit over a telehealth session for certain conditions such as the following:
- Severe or Acute Symptoms: If you’re experiencing severe pain, sudden changes in health, or acute symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, an in-person visit is crucial. Physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and immediate interventions are often required in such cases, and telehealth just can’t meet those needs.
- Diagnostic Testing: Certain conditions necessitate diagnostic tests that can only be performed in person, such as blood tests, imaging (X-rays, MRIs), or physical examinations that involve palpation or other hands-on techniques.
- Complex or Unclear Medical Issues: When symptoms are complex or do not fit a clear pattern, many doctors will require an in-person visit and a more comprehensive evaluation. Physical exams and direct observation can be critical in diagnosing and managing multifaceted health issues.
- Initial Consultations and Second Opinions: For initial consultations or when seeking a second opinion, an in-person visit can provide a more thorough examination and allow for a deeper discussion about your health history, concerns, and treatment options.
Why Telehealth Patients Need Fiber Internet
Once you've decided that a telehealth appointment is the right choice for your healthcare needs, it's crucial to ensure that your internet can support the technology. This is where FPUAnet Communications' fiber internet comes into play.
Unlike older internet technologies such as cable, DSL, or satellite, fiber internet boasts exceptional performance that is crucial for effective telehealth consultations. Here’s why:
- Blazing Fast Speeds
Fiber-optic internet provides download speeds that can exceed 1 gigabit per second. This high-speed connectivity ensures that your telehealth video streams smoothly without interruptions, allowing for a continuous and clear consultation with your healthcare provider.
- Outstanding Upload Speeds
In addition to impressive download speeds, fiber internet also offers superior upload speeds. This is essential for sending high-quality video and audio data to your provider, enabling them to see and hear you clearly without delays or distortions.
- Generous Bandwidth Capacity
Fiber internet has a higher bandwidth capacity compared to traditional internet options. This means you can handle multiple devices and applications simultaneously without experiencing a decrease in performance. For telehealth, this translates into high-definition video conferencing with your doctor even while your kids are playing video games or streaming shows in the other room.
- Reliability and Stability
Fiber-optic connections are known for their reliability and stability. Unlike cable or DSL, which can be affected by weather conditions or network congestion, fiber internet offers a consistent and dependable connection. This minimizes the risk of dropped calls or connection issues during your telehealth appointment.
Both telehealth and traditional in-person doctor visits have their place in modern healthcare. Telehealth offers a flexible and convenient alternative for routine and manageable health concerns, while in-person visits are indispensable for severe, complex, or diagnostic situations.
Ready to try telehealth? Switch to FPUAnet Communications today for a connection you can rely on.
