What is EFM?

EFM stands for Ethernet in the First Mile (EITFM wasn't catchy enough, obviously!). It is a technology that utilises symmetric dedicated leased lines to offer bandwidth speeds of up to 35Mbps. It provides a point-to-point solution that utilises multiple copper-pairs for enhanced connectivity and resilience. Whereas standard ADSL and SDSL offer just one line, a copper EFM connection can use several of them in parallel - meaning that if one individual line fails, connection can still be maintained, albeit at a lower throughput.

EFM can be used on fibre circuits, but is more commonly used on traditional copper circuits. 'EFM over copper' works by sending electrical signals over copper wires to deliver fast speeds and fix faults reliably. Its main selling point is the multiple lines, which provide increased bandwidth. Network operators will provide at least 2 and up to as many as 8 'copper-pairs', which work to improve bandwidth speeds, productivity, and efficiency.

What are the benefits of EFM?

In addition to enhanced resilience and impressive bandwidth speed, Ethernet First Mile has a number of benefits. The EFM leased lines offer consistently high speeds and a symmetrical connection: this means you will be able to achieve the same high speeds in uploads as downloads, unlike standard ADSL lines that offer fast download speeds but slow upload speeds. EFM connections also have much lower latency than ADSL connections. Latency is the delay between when the data is sent and when it is received, so the shorter the delay the better. VoIP, video conferencing, instant messaging and remote working capabilities are all improved with EFM's lower latency.

Where EFM may best be suited is businesses that require more bandwidth to suit their needs than what standard ADSL and SDSL lines can offer, but are not willing to pay the high prices of Fibre leased lines. EFM offers a reliable solution that is both reliable and effective, and can provide fast speeds at a reasonable cost.

Why Atlas Support?

As a trusted managed services provider, we work with the top technology providers on the planet.

We utilise our experience and expertise to learn each customer's needs and create a solution that gives their business an industry-leading telecommunications and technology foundation to truly create a platform to make their business brilliant.

Our partnerships are long-standing and hand-picked to only offer the best technology to our customers, giving you the peace of mind that a Atlas Support solution will support and grow with your business no matter what the future holds.