Examining Your Speed Test And Contention Ratio To Ensure You Get What You Pay For
It really goes without saying that we rely heavily on the internet; both in business and at home. And while some of us may be thrilled with the blistering speeds of the internet in the 21st Century (having tolerated dial-up modems for far too long), we can also get frustrated when this same connection slows right down, and we are hypnotised by that little blue circle of doom on our screen. This is where the correct understanding of speed tests and contention ratios come into play.
We all want to know that we are getting what we pay for. If you have been suffering from a sluggish connection, then let’s find out why, and what you can do about it.
What Affects Your Internet Speed Test?
There is no doubt that you double checked your contract when you signed up with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to make sure that you would be able to perform the daily tasks that your job entailed. Some of us demand a great deal from our internet connection if we’re uploading videos, streaming music or movies, sending large files, or even gaming. If, however, you are paying for a 10Mbps service, but your files are taking days to send, then a speed test is in order. To test your internet speed, simply type “speed test” into your browser and a number of options will be presented, any of which will run a test on your behalf. If you are unsure of the accuracy of the results, then use a couple of different speed test servers to double check, and take an average.
There are some key elements that will affect your internet speed which you need to consider before running your test. These factors will almost certainly impact your results, so be sure to take a look at these before calling your ISP in a panic.
Who Is Using the Network?
If anyone else is on your network while you are running the speed test, then the result will be inaccurate.
Check Your Hardware
While you may be paying for 10Mbps, your router may only be able to handle a fraction of that. Make sure that your hardware is up to speed – so to speak, otherwise, you’ll be wasting money on a service that you’ll never achieve.
Understand Your Contention Ratio
Everyone who is connected through an ISP is going to be sharing their connection with other users; this is called your contention ratio. (Let’s face it, the cost of a dedicated line to your office is going to be pretty hefty.) Logically then, the more people on your line, the slower your service will be.
The job of a good ISP is to ensure that their service is set up and priced to give you the speed that you have requested…as often as possible. You’ll probably see phrases such as “best effort” in your contract which relate directly to this. Basically, ISPs are saying that they are balancing the number of users on the line, their likely usage and times, and the cost of the service, to give you the best price and the fastest speed – as far as possible.
Consider this: it’s month end, 10 am, and you’re trying to access your bank. You’re probably battling with millions of other users to access this server at this time of the month (and day) which makes your contention ratio (both for the internet and the bank’s server) pretty high.
ISPs put this issue in a nutshell when it says, “ADSL is not a guaranteed service because it operates on contended infrastructure.”
Solving Your Connection Crises
For SMEs, it can feel like every step on the road to a successful business is pitted with potholes that can negatively impact a fledgeling business.
Choosing the right ISP and setting up your network to enjoy the fastest and most reliable internet to support your business is no longer something you need to worry about. Huge Connect has the expertise, the experience, and the desire to take care of South Africa’s small business owners.
If you are suffering from pitiful speeds and congested internet lines, then we’d love to chat. These are the problems that we solve. Call us on +27 878 200 220 and let’s connect.
