New technology has improved our homes in numerous ways, yet one of the most obvious symbols of the modern world – our internet connection – remains a mystery to some of us.
What kind of bandwidth do I need? What causes it to go down? And with so many high-tech advances in every aspect of my life, what is being done to improve my internet’s reliability?
These are just some of the questions that puzzle many of us as we navigate our daily lives.
Altonio J Roberts, head of operations at LIVENet, provided some key advice.
Connection speeds
As the competition among internet service providers has increased, so too have the confusing marketing tactics which are used to attract customers.
A report from the Federal Communications Commission in the United States revealed most individuals are getting slower broadband speeds than advertised.
This means there’s a lot of disheartened customers out there who feel like they didn’t receive what they paid for.
Mr Roberts explained that advertised speeds – what we call bandwidth — are a theoretical value: the maximum possible potential data that could be transferred over a specified time.
“It’s like rating the North Shore Road at a bandwidth of 50mph,” he said.
“Theoretically, if no one was using the road besides you and the all the conditions are supportive, a driver could drive at 50mph. But this is a theoretical concept.”
So, next time you’re stuck behind three buses, eight trucks and 26 cars waiting to join the Barker’s Hill roundabout, think about what might be happening to your internet speed as everyone else logs on to Netflix at the same time!
Has technology made our internet more reliable?
The introduction of wired networking has dramatically reduced connectivity loss due to bad weather.
Mr Roberts said satellite and wireless connections are still affected by ambient conditions and weather fluctuations, but cabled connections are only affected in the case of storm force activities.
What else makes our internet go down?
“Mostly people,” Mr Roberts chuckled. “Most of the failures are users reconfiguring their network.”
Here are the top reasons why you might experience no internet connection:
- Equipment failure
- Power outages that damage equipment
- Congested network
- Operation error
- Weather disasters
- People and animals
- Speed fluctuation from the ISP
- Failed link to service provider
Can we have an internet connection without Wi-Fi?
Not everyone may want Wi-Fi for a variety of reasons, such as security concerns, lack of infrastructure or simply personal preference.
Mr Robert said a common alternative is a wired Ethernet connection, which involves connecting a device directly to the internet router using an Ethernet cable. These connections are known for their reliability, speed and security.
Since the connection is hardwired, it is less susceptible to interference compared to wireless connections, making it ideal for activities that require high bandwidth, such as gaming or video streaming.
Most computers and many smart devices come equipped with Ethernet ports, making it an accessible option for many users.
Rely on someone you can trust
“We believe that everyone should have a trusted technical advisor who can ensure that all bases are covered,” Mr Roberts said.
This includes making sure you are getting a secure network, to keep hackers and data breaches at bay.
Other advice includes:
- Determine what you’ll primarily use the internet for and identify the required download and upload speeds for your activities.
- Look at the different plans offered by each provider, including pricing, speed, data caps and contract terms. Consider any promotional rates and how long they last.
- If you still have any questions or concerns, contact a professional and get connected!
