EFM migration checklist

1. 01

   Know what you have

   Before anyone gives you a date, gather the facts about the existing circuit.

   • Find the EFM circuit reference, the supplier and the installation address
   • Check the contract end date and any early-termination charges
   • Note the bandwidth you actually use, upload as well as download
   • List static IP allocations and anything that depends on them
2. 02

   Record your configuration

   The new circuit should be built to match what already works.

   • Document voice QoS settings on the router
   • Export firewall rules, NAT and port forwards
   • Record site-to-site and remote-access VPN settings
   • List DNS records and third-party allow-lists that use your current IPs
3. 03

   Choose the replacement

   Match the service to how much an outage would cost the site.

   • FTTP where budget matters more than guarantees and the line is contended
   • FibreLight where you want symmetrical speeds at a similar price point to FTTP
   • A fibre leased line where the site trades over the connection or a contract commits you to a fix time
   • Consider a second, diverse circuit or 4G/5G failover for critical sites
4. 04

   Check availability and order early

   Leased lines take weeks to deliver, longer where civil works are needed.

   • Run a postcode check for FTTP, FibreLight and leased lines
   • Confirm carrier feasibility and any excess construction charges
   • Place the order well before the EFM contract or service ends
5. 05

   Cut over safely

   Run old and new side by side so nothing is switched off on trust.

   • Run both circuits in parallel over the cutover
   • Re-point VPNs, firewall rules, DNS and allow-lists before the switch day
   • Test voice, VPN and key applications on the new circuit
   • Cease the EFM circuit only once the new one has proved itself

Background reading: EFM or leased line: what to choose now.