Understanding broadband can be tricky with all the bytes, MBs, GBs and other lingo floating around these days. Although, it doesn’t need to be this way – you may be relieved to hear it’s actually a lot simpler than it sounds. We’ll answer some of the most common questions about broadband so that you’ll be well on your way to being a bandwidth whiz.
We’re here to answer any question you may have about broadband, read on to learn more or get in touch with us at Blackbox UC for more information.
What is Broadband?
The technical definition of broadband is a connection of at least 256 Kilobits (KBs) per second, which is equal to 0.25 Megabits (MBs). In simpler terms – it’s a much faster connection than dial-up.
Broadband is essentially a high-speed method of transmitting information via electrical signals to and from your electronic device. This enables simultaneous use of landlines and internet connections as well as significantly quicker upload and download times.
It is basically the pathway in which data is moving; either via an ASL, DSL, fibre or cable and satellite. Think of it like a highway with multiple lanes where multiple vehicles can move together, rather than a one-way road like dial-up, where only one vehicle can travel at a time.
What’s the Difference Between Broadband and Wi-Fi?
Now here’s where people often get confused; you may have heard the terms broadband and Wi-Fi be used interchangeably but they’re actually very different. Wi-Fi uses radio frequency and signals to transmit information wirelessly between two devices – the key difference being ‘wireless’. Broadband can be accessed wirelessly by means of Wi-Fi, which has paved the way for modern broadband internet.
How Can I Test My Broadband Speed and Quality?
It’s easier than it sounds – all you have to do is access a broadband speed test or quality monitor online and you’ll have the tools do all the calculations. Of course, googling a generic test may not give you the most accurate result but a qualified broadband provider will help you with this reading. If you’re looking to test quality, then latency and packet loss are good metrics to look for. This will assess how long it takes for information to get from servers back to you, as well as how many bits of info are lost on their way to you.
The key thing here when testing broadband vs internet, is that a broadband connection should be tested using an ethernet cable for the most accurate reading. This is basically just a cord physically connecting your device directly to your router. If you run these tests without a physical connection, you won’t get the true speed and quality indication as Wi-Fi will interfere by slowing it down.
How Can Broadband Speed Be Improved?
Broadband speeds can be impacted by all sorts of things: the distance from exchange, your wiring quality and how many joints it has, the faceplate, your router quality and even the time of day. You’ll likely get faster speed in the middle of the night than day because there’s less people competing for bandwidth – much like a traffic congested highway.
Different providers offer different broadband services, so it’s important to do your research for what’s available in your area. The condition of your PC, router or other electronic device can also largely impact your connectivity – consider if it’s time to get a replacement.
What is Leased Line Broadband?
Switching to leased line broadband can also greatly improve your broadband connection. Remember the traffic lane example? A leased line gives you a dedicated connection between you and your local exchange – meaning you don’t have to share your lane with anyone else.
This means your connection won’t be as congested, enabling optimised upload and download speeds. This is particularly helpful for businesses who require a lot of bandwidth (high traffic) in their broadband connection.
Sounding like a good option for your business? Reach out to us at Blackbox UC for more information on leased line broadband.
Why is My Choice of Broadband Provider Important?
Choosing the right broadband provider for your business can be challenging with so many different options on the market. Not all broadband providers are the same, and some still rely on traditional methods that offer outdated or insufficient technology. Many people are unaware that the latest and fastest broadband services are now available to them.
If you’re already signed up and not getting the quality, speed or customer service you need, it may be time to switch providers. What works for your small family home of three, is going to be very different to your office space. That’s why in this case, it’s best to choose a provider that specialises in broadband for businesses.
How Can Great Broadband Benefit My Business?
How many times have you had a dodgy zoom connection in an important meeting, or could barely even get through to a business partner on the phone? Poor broadband may not seem too detrimental but if you consider all the miscommunications and call backs, it all adds up to wasted time and less productivity in the long-run.
Stopping the unnecessary interruptions will get your business back to peak performance time. Great broadband providers will also offer disaster recovery options, which in unfortunate and unexpected events will restore your business data and have you back up and running in no time.
