Business FAQs

Fiber-optic internet uses pulses of light to transfer data.  With fiber-optic technology, information travels close to the speed of light.

The fiber-optic cables are made up of hundreds of glass or plastic strands that are 1/10th thinner than a human hair.

Fiber-optic internet is different than cable and DSL for three main reasons:

1. Because fiber can transfer data close to the speed of light, this technology is capable of speeds significantly faster than copper cable and DSL.  In fact, fiber-optic internet is capable of higher upload speeds.
2. The bandwidth of fiber-optic internet is also significantly better than copper cable or DSL.  With fiber, providers do not have to slow speeds during peak usage hours.
3. Since fiber uses light rather than electricity, it is more reliable because it is not affected by severe weather or electromagnetic interference.  Additionally, it does not carry the same fire risk as electrically powered internet technologies.

To learn more about why fiber is better than cable and DSL, read our blog.

Hunter’s business customers receive a direct, dedicated line of fiber-optic internet.  While residential customers, get fiber directly to their home, their connection isn’t “dedicated.”

An IP address is a unique set of numbers that computers use for identification on a network.  These numbers can be static (permanent) or dynamic (changing).

DHCP is standard and used by most of Hunter’s customers.  It is also commonly used in residential internet and is the default on most computers.  Dynamic IP addresses are temporary and automatically assigned through a DHCP server.  Each IP address is “leased” and has an expiration date.  If a computer’s IP address expires, the number can be reallocated to a different device on the network.

Static IP addresses are configured and assigned by your internet service provider.  Typically, they are purchased by companies who offer dedicated services like email servers, FTP, data centers, or web hosting.  In some instances, static IPs could be beneficial for those using more than one router, Virtual Private Networks (VPN) or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Dark fiber is inactive fiber-optic infrastructure which enterprise customers can lease.  Rather than being maintained and operated by Hunter, the enterprise customer uses their own equipment to activate and maintain the use of the fiber network.

Dark fiber gives enterprise customers increased reliability, security, flexibility, scalability, and savings on building their own infrastructure.

At Hunter, we pride ourselves in using dark fiber for our enterprise customers. By using dark fiber contracted within the indefeasible rights of use (IRUs), we provide you with a more secure network.

Ethernet Private Line (EPL) connects two locations for enterprise customers as if they were right next to each other.

An Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) provides enterprise customers with a connection from their central hub to multiple locations.  This point to point virtual connection links multiple local area networks (LANs).

An Ethernet Local Area Network (ELAN) connects services to several locations to enable direct communication with each other.

This enterprise-level local area network connects computers, printers, servers, and more in an organization.

Our Layer 2 Transport and ethernet services are available to help businesses build their networks as if they are in the same location, even though they may be spread out across the region.