Network Deployment Guide, Part 2

Topic

This article discusses the role of the Internet Service Provider and bandwidth requirements when planning a network.

Environment

  • Datto Network Manager
  • Datto Routers
  • Datto Access Points

Description

Networks require an incoming Internet connection to communicate over the Internet. If you are not using an existing office LAN, this will usually be a DSL, cable, or LAN connection. You must purchase this connection from an Internet service provider (ISP).

Bandwidth requirements

When choosing an ISP, consider what you'll need for bandwidth—both download and upload. Your needs will vary depending on the type of network, how many simultaneous users you have, and the type of network activity from users.

The highest demand for bandwidth comes from:

  • streaming video services such as Netflix and YouTube
  • video chat services such as Skype and FaceTime
  • automatic backup and file syncing systems such as Dropbox

Just a few users sharing files or streaming video can quickly use up all available bandwidth. Datto helps manage this with per-user bandwidth limits and the ability to block individual users.

Even with the management capability of Datto Networking, the more bandwidth you have available on your network, the better your users' experience will be.

Bandwidth requirements (in Mbps)

Service Down Up
VoIP 0.1 0.1
Web browsing 0.5 0.1
Email 0.5 0.5
YouTube 0.7 0.1
Skype HD 1.5 1.5
Netflix HD 3.8 0.1

Next: Placing Nodes and Scaling the Network