Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Broadband

This month’s article deals with some of the basics of Broadband so that you may be better informed before choosing or changing your broadband. Time was the internet was an option to personal computers but today it is a requirement.  A poor or unreliable broadband solution will drive the average computer user nuts and frustrate them very quickly. I’ve seen numerous computers land on my desk where the owner alleges it is on it’s last legs. Diagnostics reveal the machine is sound and the fault lies in a faulty, slow or dysfunctional broadband connection. I wish I could say that this is a rare occurrence but it’s not. Worldwide we have one of the worst internet services ranking very far down the list. 
Types Of Broadband
Irish broadband solutions can be divided into 4 categories as follows:

Fixed line, Cable, Wireless/Satellite, and 3g.

Fixed Line Broadband
Requiring a regular telephone line link to your home this is by far the most reliable of the broadband offerings available in the east meath area. All telephone lines and exchanges are operated and owned by Eircom, Other companies may rent the lines but they neither own ,operate, maintain , or repair the phone line and broadband infrastructure. Thus if you have a telephone line be aware that when you signup with a broadband company providing fixed line broadband other than Eircom they are middlemen and are not the real provider of the broadband service. This is critical because should a fault develop on the line the time interval to getting it fixed can be significantly extended as the provider cannot simply send out a technician to look at it. Some of the less scrupulous providers will try any method to convince you the line is not the problem in the hope the problem will resolve itself. 

Cable
Upc provides, in the Dublin area, internet and telephone over the cable network. It’s fast, reliable and is a solid alternative to fixed line broadband. Unfortunately, it is not available in East Meath and I do not expect it to be available any time soon.

Wireless/Satellite And 3G
Two companies provide wireless networking in the area. It requires an  antenna on the roof of the house. Wireless broadband does not require a telephone line but the cost is near that of a regular fixed line package.  As such it has little advantage over fixed line broadband. Satellite broadband, while available, is expensive to install and as you might expect you will need a satellite dish on your home which may be subject to planning permission.

3G
This is definitely the least desirable of any of the broadband solutions and prone to very poor quality in certain areas in east meath. It’s cheap but far from cheerful. I’ve had numerous customers commit more than one blasphemy over these devices. If you have absolutely no other choice its better than nothing but be warned it can drive you crazy. I’ve heard of one person who can only get broadband by leaning out his window with his laptop. 

Testing Your Broadband Speed
I’m providing a link to various broadband tests, together with an instructional video so you can analyze the results. To visit the the page please click on the link below.
http://www.reidyonline.com/broadband.htm