Ethernet over FTTP – what is it, and how might your customers benefit?

As connectivity needs grow, many customers find themselves in an awkward position. Standard broadband doesn’t quite give them what they need, but a full Ethernet leased line can seem like a bigger step than they’re ready or able to take.

That’s the exact sweet spot where Ethernet over FTTP comes in – and where Ethernet Light fits into the Zen portfolio.

This article is designed to give you confidence when positioning Ethernet Light to your customers and prospects. We’ll explain what Ethernet over FTTP actually is, where Ethernet Light sits alongside broadband and leased lines, and the types of customers it’s best suited to.

Ethernet over FTTP – what is it?

It’s exactly what it sounds like: Ethernet-grade connectivity delivered over a full fibre (FTTP) network.

Unlike standard broadband, which is designed primarily for consumer and light business use, Ethernet over FTTP is built to deliver more predictable performance. Upload and download speeds are symmetrical, and the service is backed by a business-grade SLA rather than best-effort delivery.

But despite these benefits, at the same time it avoids the cost and complexity associated with traditional Ethernet leased lines by using shared full fibre infrastructure. The result is a service that sits clearly between broadband and full Ethernet. It offers more assurance than broadband, without the commitment (and cost) of a fully dedicated circuit.

Introducing Ethernet Light – where it fits

You probably have customers right now who need a step up from regular broadband but aren’t yet ready for a full leased line. If you do, their dilemma is real: put up with a connection that doesn’t quite do it for them or pay extra (if they can afford it) for features they don’t need.

Ethernet Light - Zen’s Ethernet over FTTP service – is designed for those businesses.

It delivers symmetrical speeds up to 5Gbps, business-grade SLAs, and gives customers more consistency and confidence in their day-to-day performance. It isn’t broadband but isn’t exactly a leased line either.

But straddling that line between the two is where Ethernet Light’s strength lies. It’s a distinct service, designed to bridge the gap. And like all Zen fibre connectivity, it’s available through the Fibre Hub, making it easy to check availability and generate quotes alongside our other services.

How Ethernet Light compares to broadband and leased lines

Compared to broadband – even full fibre – Ethernet Light offers a noticeable step up in consistency and reliability. Upload speeds keep pace with downloads, performance is more predictable during busy periods, and the service comes with proper assurances.

Compared to DIA, Ethernet Light is more accessible. It typically comes at a lower cost, is quicker to deploy, and uses shared full fibre infrastructure rather than a fully dedicated connection. For many growing businesses, that provides a better balance than jumping straight to a leased line.

What about those guarantees? Understanding CIR and why it matters

One of the most important differences between broadband, Ethernet Light and full leased lines is how performance is guaranteed.

Ethernet Light comes with a 20% Committed Information Rate (CIR). That mouthful simply means that a portion of the connection’s bandwidth (20%) is guaranteed and always available, even at busy times. Customers can rely on a consistent baseline of performance, while still benefiting from additional capacity above the committed rate when the network allows.

Let’s say a customer chooses a 1Gb connection. That means they’re guaranteed at least 200Mbps. That would give them all the benefits of a 200Mbps full fibre connection, plus a whole lot more.

Following the theme of this article, that sits neatly between the two extremes offered by broadband and leased lines – no guaranteed bandwidth and the risk of slowdowns at peak times, or 100% guaranteed, uncontended bandwidth.

For many customers, Ethernet Light offers the perfect third option that – until now – has been missing.

Who does Ethernet Light work well for?

Ethernet Light is a strong fit for customers whose connectivity has become business-critical, but not yet mission-critical.

It works well for cloud-first businesses working with tools like Microsoft 365, VoIP and video conferencing, where upload is at least as important as download speed. It’s also well suited to hybrid and remote teams that need reliable connections to stay productive.

Professional services, retail and creative businesses often fall into this category. In fact, wherever your customers are starting to experience the limitations of broadband, Ethernet Light may give them that little bit extra that they need.

When Ethernet Light might not be the right fit

Part of selling Ethernet Light confidently is knowing when it isn’t the right solution.

If a customer needs guaranteed performance at all times, a full Ethernet leased line may be a better option.

The same applies when an organisation’s very existence depends on their internet connection. If uncontended bandwidth is essential, and any downtime would have a serious business impact, they’re probably ready for a leased line.

Accessing Ethernet Light through the Fibre Hub

Like all Zen fibre connectivity, Ethernet Light is available to partners through the Fibre Hub.

From there, you can check availability at customer sites, generate quotes quickly, and position Ethernet Light alongside broadband and other fibre services in one place.

Ethernet over FTTP fills an important gap in your connectivity offering. It gives you a clear, credible option for customers who’ve outgrown their broadband but aren’t yet ready for a full Ethernet leased line.

And when those customers are ready to make the move, the Fibre Hub makes it easy to help them take the next step.

Check Ethernet Light availability in the Fibre Hub.