Yak Networks - ADSL Speed FAQs

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ADSL Speed

ADSL speeds are usually quoted as 256/64, 512/128 or 1500/128. This refers to download and upload speeds. The download speed is the first number ie 256, 512 or 1500 above. This is the maximum speed you will be able to download content from the internet to you computer. The second number refers to upload speeds and this is the maximum speed you will be able send data from your computer to the internet.

Capping

A cap on an account usually refers to the maximum amount you will be required to pay for that account. Most plans offer an amount of included data transfer and any additional amounts are charged at a prescribed rate. Many ISP's will offer to cap the total cost.

Shaping or Throttling

Shaping or throttling a service refers to the slowing down of that service at a certain level of usage, usually when your account cap is reached. This will limit the total amount of data that you can download. The reduced speed that your connection will run at varies from ISP to ISP and it is recommended you research this as it can have a huge impact on the quality of service you receive. Shaped speeds generally vary from 20kbps (very slow) to 72kbps (aprox 50% faster than a 56kbps dialup modem).

Traps of Unlimited Plans

Unlimited Plans or ‘All You Can Eat’ (AYCE) deals. Examine these carefully as many providers claim to offer unlimited deals but what they really offer is a certain amount of usage at broadband speed and then you are throttled back to a slower speed. Sure you can download as much data as you can ‘eat’ but it is not at the badged broadband speed. Also check the contention ratios as, often, unlimited deals are only offered on plans which feature very high contention ratios, thus dramatically impacting viable line speeds. Again sure you can download all you like but not at the badged broadband speed.

Data Charges

Excess data usage (beyond that included in your plan) varies greatly from ISP to ISP and it is very important to compare these prices. They have a significant impact on the cost and quality of your service. Generally prices range from 20c per Mb to 5c per Mb with most varying according to the plan and amount of data used. Some ISP's offer a sliding scale of data charges so that the more you use the less expensive each Mb becomes.

Contention Ratios or Oversubscription Rates

All ISPs oversell their bandwidth. This is because it never occurs that all their customers are online at once downloading at their maximum allowance. However it is often the case that many customers are online at the same time and using the internet whether uploading or downloading data. The more congested the network the more inefficient the ADSL service becomes, effectively slowing down user speeds. A high grade business connection may have a contention ratio of 8-1 or less while a cheap residential service could be as high at 130-1. At 130-1 there are 130 accounts all competing for a limited supply of bandwidth meaning that the service will almost never run at its badged speed eg. 512/128. Check carefully the contention ratio of the service you purchase as it has a significant impact on the quality of service you receive.

Line Overhead

This is the ‘chatter’ that runs back and forth between your network (computer(s)) and your ISP. ADSL has a very high overhead requirement. Even if you do nothing over your connection your usage rates will be significant because of this overhead often as high as 100MB per month. That means that if you have an account that provides 200MB of included data you may only have an effective 100MB of usable capacity. There is nothing you can do about line overhead except be aware that it is necessary and make sure that your account has capacity to cover it and your usage. If your usage is higher than your allowance you should make the switch to a more efficient plan.

The Moral To The Story

Price is not everything! As with all things you get what you pay for. Many ISP’s do not want you, the user to be too educated about this technology and its traps. Ignorance allows them to make more money than they otherwise could.

Research the plans that are available to you and attempt to assess your usage requirements as accurately as possible. By doing this you will be able to select a plan that suits you and one that will deliver you a satisfying and value for money internet experience. Additionally talk to some ISP’s to find those that are helpful and friendly. Things do sometimes go wrong, that is a fact of life. However they are much easier to deal with if your provider will talk openly and honestly with you and offer help as you need it.

Most of all enjoy the internet and the opportunities it provides, it truly is a wonderful thing!