Broadband Speed
As you check your broadband speed you will probably notice that it fluctuates with every test. This has nothing to do with a fault in your ADSL or Cable connection.
The speed of your connection can be affected by many factors, so let’s take a look at the main ones before you ring up your service provider to complain.
Terminology
Speed is usually measured in kps or kilobits per second, which is the amount of data being transferred through your connection.
The ADSL modem is the device through which data is transmitted. To be labelled a high-speed ADSL modem it needs to be processing 200 kb per second or more.
A cable modem is one which is connected by cable directly into your computer, independent of any phone line connections. A good cable modem is capable of speeds up to 10 Mb per second.
What Affects The Speed?
The technical capability of your modem is rarely the reason that the speed is fast or slow. The major factors affecting speed of any Internet connection are the performance of the server you are trying to reach and the amount of traffic on the Internet.
But there are other factors that can affect speed as well. Things such as:
- The distance from the telephone exchange.
- Other services that are being used on the copper wires.
- The quality of the copper wire between the exchange and your house.
- Interference from electrical sources.
- The quality of the copper wire within your connection.
- The programs in use on your computer.
- The quality of your hardware and software.
- The speed of the website you are visiting.
- The amount of traffic on the Internet.
So What Can I Do?
Make sure you have the best quality modem you can afford. Despite the claims of manufacturers you should always take the advice of a reputable supplier.
Keep your modem away from other electrical devices that could be interfering with its performance. Other electronic equipment will emit Electronic Magnetic Interference or EMI, which can affect speed at which your modem can transmit data.
Make sure you have a line filter properly installed. This is especially important if you have three telephony devices or more in your residence. In this case you should have what is known as a Central Splitter which needs to be professionally installed. Your television should be counted as one of the three telephony devices.
If you think you are experiencing extraordinarily slow speed with no apparent reason, then a phone call to your provider might be in order. Sometimes there are line maintenance issues which can mean that certain areas are affected from time to time.
Your agreement with your Internet service provider is a contract and you are entitled to question them about their side of the bargain.
Occasionally your equipment may be to blame. There are diagnostic tests which can be performed on your modem and your router to see whether they are performing at optimal levels. Your provider can assist you in this process by taking you through some simple steps over the telephone.
You will find that your broadband speed will fall within the same margins around 99% of the time. If you check every now and then you will find this to be the case.
Nevertheless, if you have any doubts it is best to call your provider and hammer out any problems immediately.
