How Much Bandwidth is Required for VoIP Phones?

By Chris Landry

A long-standing question for potential VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) consumers is “How much bandwidth does a VoIP phone require to make quality telephone calls?”

First of all, Bandwidth is defined as the ability to transfer data (such as a VoIP telephone call) from one point to another in a fixed amount of time. The higher the bandwidth speed you have, the more data you can send over your Broadband Internet connection.

There are two types of bandwidth at your location: upload bandwidth and download bandwidth. The Upload Bandwidth is the amount of data you can send to the Internet and download bandwidth is the amount of data you can receive from the Internet. The more Internet bandwidth you have from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) the better.

In most cases, the normal VoIP telephone call will use up 90 Kbps (kilobits per second). If you have a Broadband Internet service provider that doesn’t offer much bandwidth then most VoIP providers give you the option to lower the VoIP voice quality by lowering the bandwidth used for VoIP calls to 60 Kbps or, to really conserve your bandwidth, 30 Kbps. Most people can't tell the difference between the three settings. We suggest you use the high sound quality setting (90 Kpbs in most cases), if bandwidth is not an issue. High VoIP voice quality is generally the default setting but if you are running into a situation where your bandwidth is limited then you can adjust your VoIP bandwidth to one of the lower settings. Some consumers with 128 Kbps upload connections can receive less VoIP service quality due to a poor quality ISP (Internet Service Provider). By selecting a lower quality VoIP bandwidth setting, this problem can be avoided.

If you plan on using a VoIP service provider, should you get a DSL or a Cable Internet access provider? In general, DSL upload bandwidth starts at 128k where as Cable Internet upload bandwidth starts at around 600k. Cable Internet is a little bit more expensive, but it is also about 4-5 times faster than residential DSL and a bit friendlier to a VoIP telephone call. Having said that, both DSL and cable modem high-speed services provide sufficient broadband Internet access bandwidth to support any of the top VoIP service providers. If you are experiencing low Broadband Internet Service provider bandwidth, we suggest you try Packet8 VoIP. Packet8 VoIP boasts an advanced compression technology in which each active voice line uses approximately only 23Kbps of total data throughput, upstream and downstream.

The amount of bandwidth that a VoIP provider requires to make a quality telephone call is only one thing to consider when choosing a VoIP service provider. In fact, there are many things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. An educated consumer generally results in a satisfied consumer.

Please see VoIP things to consider article (http://www.voipchoices.com/voip-considerations.html) to find a list of more things to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. You can also compare VoIP providers side-by-side by price and features at www.VoIPChoices.com

Chris Landry is the foremost authority on residential and small business VoIP providers. Chris is the founder of http://www.VoIPChoices.com. Chris has prequalified several high-quality VoIP providers and compares them by price and features at http://www.VoIPChoices.com

Chris can be reach via email at Chris@VoIPChoices.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Landry

How to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection for DSL or Cable Service

By George Chamoun

One of the common problems among internet users is testing their
internet connection to pinpoint the exact problem. There is a big number of internet users who use DSL, and cable modem service.

You set us your connection the way your ISP (internet service provider)instruct you to. Sometimes, it doesn't work for numerous reasons.

You service is not ready, your hardware in not connected properly, or your ISP is having problems.

Whatever the cause of the problem maybe, there are some diagnostic tools you can use in Windows XP, in order to identify the problem.

If you are not exact in your diagnostic, you will get a good idea at least.

Before we get to the diagnostic tools, let us discuss what is involved in an internet connection.

The information travels over the internet to your computer through your ISP service. This is done through a High speed modem then to a network card installed in your computer.

Your computer is called a host, your service provider will give
you the DNS IP address, and you get your login and password. That is all what you have from your ISP.

Sometimes, your internet connection fails, and you want to find
out the problem. You may be able to fix it, or at least get some
information about the problem to advise your isp for help.

You will start by accessing the command prompt by going in sequence to:

Start menu, program, accessories, then command prompt. A window
will open where you type commands from the prompt.

At the command prompt, you type: IPCONFIG. This command will give you the active network connection on your computer. Here is an example:

PPP adapter Copy :

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.239.158.45

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.255

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 68.239.158.45

The above output was produced when I ran the Ipconfig command on my own computer running Window XP OS, and A DSL connection. The IP address is my computer address assigned by the ISP.

Please note, you can add an option to this command, in order to get more detailed information about your connection. Here is the output, when I ran the same command with the
"all" option.

Ipconfig /ALL

PPP adapter Copy :

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : WAN (PPP/SLIP) Interface

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-53-45-00-00-00

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.239.158.45

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.255

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 68.239.158.45

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 151.198.0.39
151.197.0.39
NetBIOS over TCP/IP. . . . . . . . : Disabled

Notice now, the output includes the phisycal address of the network interface card installed in my computer. Also, you see the DNS IP addresses. With the above information, I didn't have any problems.

Supposed ,I disconnect my DSL connection and ran the command again, this is the new result:

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :

Notice in this case, where I disconnected my connection, you don't get a DNS server. This tells you that I am not connected to the internet.

Also, notice the IP address starts with 192.168, which is the default address whenever your computer is not connected to the internet.

Another command is the ping command. It will allow to check if a computer is connected to the network and ready to communicate, whether intranet,
or internet.

Once you run it,it will sent a packet to the computer specified and gives the time it took for the packet to travel. This is an a output when I tried to ping www.yahoo.com:

C:>ping www.yahoo.com

Pinging www.yahoo.akadns.net [216.109.118.66] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 216.109.118.66: bytes=32 time=35ms TTL=55

Reply from 216.109.118.66: bytes=32 time=39ms TTL=55

Ping statistics for 216.109.118.66:

Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),

Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:

Minimum = 35ms, Maximum = 39ms, Average = 38ms.

That shows that the host was reachable, and connected to the internet.

A very important command is the Nslookup. This will let you check if DNS (domain name server) is working properly. The function of the DNS server is to translate ip addresses to domain name of the networked computer. Here is an example:

C:> nslookup www.yahoo.com

Server: home5.bellatlantic.net

Address: 151.198.0.39

Non-authoritative answer:

Name: www.yahoo.akadns.net

Addresses: 216.109.118.67

Aliases: www.yahoo.com

So, you enter the name after Nslookup, it will give you IP addresses and vice versa.

In summary, there more commands in Windows Xp, but using the three above commands should give you a good idea about your internet connection problems. You can find where the problem is occurring. Is it your machine, or the ISP.

Thanks,

George Chamoun

For tips about your Windows XP computer, visit our new website:
http://www.ResolveWindowsXpProblems.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Chamoun

Kiss Dial Up Goodbye and Go Broadband

By Gabriel J. Adams

Say, you aren't still accessing the Internet through an old fashioned dial-up service are you? If you are, you most certainly have our sympathies. So much so, that we'd like to introduce you to Broadband Internet.

Broadband Internet has been around for the last 7-10 years or so, and basically offers faster Internet access to web cam imagery, streaming video and audio, and everything else that you essentially wished you could access with a dial-up connection. Referred to as high speed internet, DSL, or cable modem, a broadband internet connection is four times faster than your current networking configuration, and the term "broadband" can be applied to any connection transferring at least 256 kilobits of data per second. No dial-up connection could ever match that speed regardless of how much you tweak your registry, or the number of times that you clear your cache!

Some people are resistant to new technology and declare that they'll stick to their archaic connection no matter what. "After all, I really only use my computer to download email," they say. This may be true, but if you're like most of us, you get email with attachments - attachments so large that they could take up to 3 or 4 hours to download with dial-up internet access.

With broadband Internet however, you can download hour-long video attachments within minutes, forward that video to a friend and download another one just like it large enough to fill an entire CD!

It would be easy to claim that videos aren't your interest and that they just aren't part of your everyday Internet itinerary. But with today's technology, more and more of us are formatting important information (like the local, national, and international news) in formats that demand additional power. Whether that format is a video, streaming audio, or a downloadable executable, you've got to be able to meet that demand with the proper equipment if you want stay informed within a reasonable amount of time.

Visit Cheap Broadband Providers & Broadband Internet guide to get high speed today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams

One Of Many Broadband Options

By Keith George

Aol broadband is the only provider that gives the choice of connecting to a high speed broadband package. The broadband connection is also available via cable modem. Home computers are connected to internet by a cable modem and in the process NTL´s cable network is used. Often one wonders if Aol broadband will affect the telephone service or not. The best thing about the connection is that one can be online and you can use the phone at the same time.

If you choose the Aol ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) product the Aol broadband in a Box Package will contain special filters that plugs in the normal phone socket to allow one to use the phone and be online at the same time. If you choose the broadband cable product there is no need of using filter on the telephone line since the broadband connection is delivered via cable modem and not the telephone line.

To get Aol Broadband Gold one needs to have either a BT phone line or be the inhabitant of NTL broadband enabled area. The Aol broadband access is subjected to local availability and capacity levels and the landlord´s permission.

However there are certain requirements needed for the PC. Windows 98 Second Edition Windows, Windows 2000, at least a Pentium 233MHz processor, at least 64MB system memory, a spare USB port for Aol broadband Gold or a spare Ethernet port for Aol broadband Platinum. If there are certain services like ISDN home highway it is not possible to get this broadband service. For the Aol broadband cable product none of these restrictions are present.

If you install this broadband via an existing BT phone line there is no need of permission as long as phone line is in your name. NTL engineers installs the cable modem if you choose the broadband cable product. Then Aol broadband software is installed and one can start to enjoy the broadband features and benefits. No connection fee is needed for the modem or router. Payment is a monthly subscription fee due to access to Aol and internet via your broadband connection.

The Aol broadband Silver and Aol broadband Gold Box will contain a single broadband modem, three filters, CD that contains modem driver software plus your software, all cables that you need and certain easy step by step guide of how to install. Aol Platinum needs wireless contains router, three filters, a CD containing software, all cables that one needs and a guide of how to install.

Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews.
A related resource is AOL Broadband
Further information can be found at Your Home

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_George

Some DSL Broadband Definitions

By Steve Cash

Often too many people get confused with all the definitions, here we have explained in easy to understand terms.

ADSL:

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - asymmetric meaning it's faster downstream than upstream.

ASAM:

Advanced Services Access Manager -Whether you have a DSLAM or ASAM in your exchange doesn't really matter. They do the same thing. See DSLAM's as well.

ATM:

Asynchronous Transfer Mode - a method of encapsulation which is capable of many virtual circuits. With these, providers (ISP's) can split an ATM connection (155Mbit or 622Mbit) up into many connections. ATM isn't just used for DSL but in the case of DSL it's used to provision each customer.

Contention Ratios:

A contention ratio is the number of users to xMbit of bandwidth. For example some providers offer 2Mbit DSL, with a ratio of 50:1, meaning 50 users to 1Mbit of bandwidth.

CPE:

Customer Premises Equipment, the term that describes the equipment used on the customer end of a connection, for example your DSL modem/router or cable modem.

DSL:

Digital Subscriber Line.

DSLAM:

Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer – They are placed in DSL enabled Telecomm exchanges, when your modem syncs up and the DSL light comes on, it means you are connected. When data travels down your connection, it goes from the CPE -> DSLAM -> RAN -> ISP

ERX:

Edge Routing Exchange. See RAN.

IPNet:

Telecommunications backhaul networks for carrying traffic from the customer to the ISP, i.e. carrying traffic from RAN's to ISP's.

Ping or Latency:

A ping measures the time in milliseconds that it takes for a packet to travel from your computer to a remote computer and back to you again. Just because you can't ping a given host, quite a lot of providers are beginning to filter ICMP (pings come under this protocol) traffic because it is commonly used to attack hosts and wastes a lot of bandwidth.
Many providers also give low priority to ping (ICMP) traffic which may mean your ping at a command line isn't very good, but in say a game, things may be fine.

RAN:

Regional Access Node These aggregates many DSLAM's connections and then feed the data to an ISP

RTT

Round Trip Time - the time it takes in milliseconds for a packet to go from A to B and back again. See ping.

SDSL

Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line - symmetrical meaning the same speed up and down.

Units

There is a major difference between UPPER and lowercase

MB = MegaBytes

Mb = Megabits

kB = KiloBytes

kb = Kilobits

MB/s = MegaBytes per second

Mb/s = Megabits per second

kB/s = KiloBytes per second

kb/s = Kilobits per second

There is 8bits to a Byte, 8kb = 1kB

1Meg connections only transfer at 128kB/sec
or an 8Mb connection only transfers at 1024kB/sec or 1MB/s

Steve

Private Mail Services

http://www.private-services.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Cash

What's The Difference Between DS3 And T3 Bandwidth?

By Michael Lemm

Don't be confused about the difference between DS3 and T3 circuits. These terms are really synonymous. Instead you should focus on what they can do for you...and the best scenarios for application.

Digital Signal (DS) is a system of classifying digital circuits according to the rate and format of the signal (DS) and the equipment providing the signals (T). DS and T designations have come to be used synonymously so that DS1 implies T1, and DS3 implies T3.

A DS3 line (also known as a T-3) is an ultra high-speed connection capable of transmitting data at rates up to 45 Mbps. A DS3 line is equal to approximately 672 regular voice-grade telephone lines, which is fast enough to transmit full-motion, real-time video, and very large databases over a busy network. A DS3 line is typically installed as a major networking artery for large corporations and universities with high-volume network traffic. Other example applications include large call centers, enterprise wide VoIP and IP PBX systems, Internet service providers, research labs, video conference centers and software development companies. A DS3 is the second fastest, non optical connection offered in North America. A DS3 line is comprised of 28 T1 lines, each operating at total signaling rate of 1.544 Mbps.

DS3 circuits provide businesses and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with up to 45 Mb/s of dedicated Internet connectivity. This is an ideal solution for users who have outgrown their T1 connections and are in search of unlimited, high-capacity access. A DS3 line actually consists of 672 individual channels, each of which supports 64 Kb/s. DS3 lines are extremely high bandwidth connections into a carrier's backbone. They typically include SLAs (Service Level Agreements) that guarantee uptime and performance.

The DS3 signal itself is composed of 28 DS1 signals and is constructed using a two-step multiplexing process. First, the 28 DS1 signals are multiplexed into seven DS2 signals. Second, the seven DS2 signals are multiplexed into one DS3 signal. Each multiplexing step uses bit stuffing to handle the different input frequencies. Overhead bits provide alignment, error checking, in-band communications, and bit stuffing control information.

Line rate: 44,736,000 b/s

Signals: 7 DS2 signals = 28 DS1 signals

Overhead bits:

56 bits total/frame

F-bits (framing) 28 bits/

M-bits (multiframing) 3 bits/

C-bits (stuffing) 21 bits

X-bits (message) 2 bits/

P-bits (parity) 2 bits/

Data bits between overhead bits 84

A DS3 connection is comprised up of two monthly charges: the local loop and the port charge. The local loop charge is the cost of the circuit provided by the Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) that allows DS3 access into the carrier's network. The loop charge is based on the distance from the customer's location to the edge of the carrier's network; the farther the customer is from the network, the more the loop will cost. Nearly every carrier prices loops differently so it is in your best interest to price DS3 service with several providers to ensure that you get the best deal.

DS Internet Access is the ideal solution for businesses that require high-bandwidth access at a reduced price. Whether you host high-traffic Web sites, support Web hosting or need high-capacity bandwidth on an as-needed basis, there's a level of DS3 service (Full or fractional) that will meet your needs. Fractional to full DS3 or T3 circuits run from speeds of 3 Mbps up to 45 Mbps.

For customers that require more bandwidth than a T1 line can provide but do not yet require the capacity of a full DS3 line, a fractional DS3 connection is the ideal solution. A fractional DS3 is similar to a full DS(T)3, only with some of the channels turned off. This reduces the total monthly cost and provides additional capacity that can be turned up in a matter of days. Unfortunately, the DS3 (T) loop is still required for this service.

If a full DS3 line is more bandwidth that you really need, it is also possible to get Fractional DS3, which gives you a portion of full DS3 bandwidth at a lower cost. Of course, DS3 is also available in multiples to increase bandwidth, similar to bonded T1 service.

DS3 service can be deployed for a wide verity of applications. The most common uses are DS3 point-to-point, DS3 internet, DS3 frame relay, DS3 voice and DS3 VPN. The pricing for these connections varies widely depending on the carrier, location of service and the application for which the connection is being used. Visit DS3 Bandwidth to obtain current "real time" rate quotes for your location.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire
Communications....including Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm

DSL vs. T1: Which is Right For Your Business

By Jeremy Maddock

When it comes to finding internet service for your small to mid sized businesses, the two most common technological possibilities are DSL and T1.

Digital Subscriber Line (or DSL) technology is an inexpensive form of high-speed internet connection frequently used by consumers and small to mid-sized enterprises. This type of connection allows data to be transmitted over the same copper wires used by telephones, at much faster rates than dialup, and can be used by up to 20 employees in a single location.

The drawbacks of DSL, however, include distance limitations, as well as the lack of a guarantee that service won’t lag when many other people in your area are online.

T1 connections, meanwhile, will give your office a set amount of bandwidth, which is then shared among your employees for their voice and data communication needs. T1 technology is seen as being somewhat more reliable than DSL, and can easily provide service to as many as 50 employees in the same office.

Overall, your decision between T1 and DSL will likely depend on the size of your office, and your level of reliance on internet technology, as well as service availability in your area.

DSL service is perfectly sufficient for the majority of small businesses, but those companies with more than 20 employees in a single location, and those who require guaranteed bandwidth levels at all time, may be better off to splurge on a T1 connection.

About the Author:
Jeremy Maddock is a successful web-based freelance writer, who covers office internet access and other business services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Maddock

What Is VoIP and How Does It Work

By Jason Morris

Introduction

The way we make phone calls is changing. In fact in many circumstances things have already changed. Take long distance calls for instance, many service providers are already using a technology called Voice Over IP or VOIP for short. If you have never heard of VOIP before, then the following article will change the way you think about how long distance phone calls are being made now, and about how all phone calls will be made in the future. Voice Over IP (VOIP) is a method for turning analogue audio signals into digital data that can be transferred over the internet.

You may be asking yourself how this is useful. Well think about it for a few seconds. If it is possible to turn analogue signals into digital data, then VOIP can turn a standard internet connection into a method for placing phone calls anywhere in the world virtually free, except for your internet service fee, enabling you to bypass the phone companies entirely.

Voice Over IP (VOIP) has the potential to completely revolutionise the way the worlds phone systems operate. There are many VOIP service providers that have been around for a while, and are growing steadily. Now the worlds leading telecommunications operators are waking up to the endless possibilities of this new technology, setting up VOIP calling centres around the world and promoting the sales of Voice Over IP phone systems.

Making a call

With VOIP phone systems it is possible to make a call in one of three ways:

ATA (gateway) – The simplest way to make a VOIP phone call is through the use of ATA’s (analogue telephone adaptor) sometimes called gateways. These devices enable you to make use of your existing standard analogue phones. You simply plug your standard handset into the ATA (gateway) then connect the ATA to your computer or your internet connection, enabling you to make VOIP calls. An ATA takes the analogue signal from your standard phone and turns it into a digital signal that ready for transmission over the internet. Some ATA’s (gateways) come with additional software that is loaded onto a host computer, enabling you to configure it for VOIP accurately.

IP Phones – These handsets look just like normal standard handsets. They have an RJ 45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ 11 connectors. These phones have all the necessary software and hardware to handle VOIP calls already built in them. They connect directly to your router, providing a very fast and cost effective entry into the world of Voice Over IP.

Computer to computer – This is the easiest way to make use of the VOIP technology. There are many companies offering cost effective software that you can use for this type of VOIP. Usually the only charge you pay is the monthly one from your internet service provider, even for long distance calls. All you need is a microphone, speakers, a suitable sound card and a fast internet connection.

Chances are that you have already made a VOIP call without even realising it. The major phone companies already use VOIP to route thousands of long distance calls through a circuit switch and into an IP gateway. This is then received by a gateway at the other end and then routed to another local circuit switch. More and more companies are installing VOIP phone systems, and the technology will grow and grow until it finds its way into every business and household across the globe.

VoIP Features

Because with VOIP you can make calls from anywhere you have access to a broadband connection, users can take their IP phones or ATA’s with them on trips and still have access to what is essentially their home phone.

Some people use a softphone to access their VOIP service. A softphone is a specially developed software application that loads the VOIP service onto your desktop computer or laptop. Some even have an interface on the screen that looks like a traditional phone. These softphone applications allow you to place VOIP calls from your laptop; anywhere in the world you have access to a broadband connection.

Most traditional phone companies charge you for extra features that are added to your account. With VOIP service providers these usually come as standard. Features such as:

1. Caller ID

2. Call Waiting

3. Call Transfer

4. Repeat Dialling

5. Return Call

6. Three-Way Dialling

Some VOIP service providers also offer advanced call filtering features. These additional features allow you to decide how calls to a specific number are handled by using caller ID information. They allow you to:

1. Forward the call to a particular number

2. Send the call directly to voicemail

3. Give the caller a busy signal

4. Play a "not-in-service" message

Many VOIP services also allow you to check your voicemail over the internet or attach messages to an e-mail that is sent to your computer or PDA. It’s best to check with VOIP phone system suppliers and service operators exactly what features they offer as package and service prices vary greatly.

There are many other cost saving benefits that arise from a streamlined VOIP phone system network. For the network administrators, a VOIP phone system means they only have one network to maintain instead of two. The portability of the phone system is also greatly simplified. This is because most VOIP phone systems can be configured using a web interface, which can be managed by the network administrator. The MAC (move, add, change) process is made much easier, and you will not have to call your system/service provider for every MAC you carry out. All this means lower ongoing costs for your company.

Another cost saving for companies who implement a VOIP system is, because multiple offices, no matter where they are in the world are seamlessly connected, they can share many of the features VOIP can offer, such as:

1. One single receptionist

2. Auto attendant facilities

3. Voice mail system

Choosing a VOIP phone system

If you have decided that a VOIP phone system is the right step for your company, next you need to determine which of your existing telephone equipment you are able to keep. The potential cost savings that can be made through using any existing digital equipment are huge. Many digital phone systems can be IP enabled using minor hardware additions and software upgrades.

When shopping around for potential systems you need to be certain of the features they provide as standard and which are optional cost extras. You also need to be certain of exactly what is included with the system. Many suppliers claim to include everything you need, but standard components can vary from one company to the other. So you need to sure you are comparing equivalent systems when approaching potential suppliers.

You will also need to enquire about the compatibility of existing equipment. The technology used in many VOIP systems may affect the implementation of any existing telephone hardware.

You will also need to ensure that any devices such as fax machines, credit card processors, and security systems etc can be integrated into your new VOIP phone system. You should make any potential vendor aware of such devices so they can provide you with a suitable phone system for your requirements.

Finally, do not try to save money by buying used VOIP phone systems. Remember VOIP is a new technology, so even last years equipment is outdated. Also the installation cost will still apply whether the system is new or second hand, and the service costs may even be higher due to reliability issues. To put it simply it just isn’t worth the hassle, the higher secondary costs will wipe out any potential saving.

Thanks for reading,

Jason

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Jason Morris is co-author of Business Phone Systems Direct. An established communications company, offering advice and implementation of high quality business phone systems.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Morris

Cable Vs. DSL - Which is Better?

By Mark Pascua

As broadband Internet becomes more mainstream, one of the most common questions we get is: which is better, cable or dsl?

The answer to that question is not so definite. Many factors come into play when deciding which high-speed connection to choose. Regardless of which you choose (DSL, Cable, or even Satellite) it’s going to be a ton better (and faster) than that ancient dialup modem you’ve been using. Not to mention, your Internet experience will be much more enjoyable.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

Just like your existing dialup modem, DSL uses your existing copper wire phone line to deliver data at high speed. To qualify for DSL, you need the following:

- a phone line

- a DSL modem (which normally comes with the service)

- an Ethernet card or an available USB port ( most DSL modems allow both connections, but Ethernet is recommended).

- a phone company (ISP) that is offering DSL service (e.g., Verizon)

One important factor that will influence your DSL connection is the distance between your home or office and the phone company’s central office. The farther away you are from the central office, the signal becomes weaker, thus a slower connection. With that said, DSL is not as available widespread compared to cable. You’ll need to contact your local phone provider to check availability.

Speed wise, depending on the package you choose, DSL can range from 128 kbps to 3 Mbps. Generally, the faster your connection the more expensive your service will be. You can expect to pay around $25-$30 a month for a 768 kbps connection, which is roughly 13 times faster than a 56k dialup modem.

::Pros::

- Relatively cheaper than cable

- Dedicated line, so speeds are almost guaranteed

- You can talk on the phone at the same time while surfing the net

::Cons::

- Slower speeds compared to cable

- Speeds drop the farther away your home/office is from the central office

- Not available in all areas

Cable Internet

Cable Internet gets our recommendation. Cable, which you can probably already tell, uses the coaxial cable that your television uses. To qualify for cable internet, you need the following:

- a cable modem ( which normally comes with the service)

- an Ethernet card or an available USB port (most cable modems allow both connections, but Ethernet is recommended)

- a cable company offering cable Internet (e.g., Adelphia)

Unlike DSL, cable Internet does not depend on the distance between your home or office and the central office. However, unlike DSL, cable connections are typically shared among your neighbors. Although, most cable companies provide pipelines with huge bandwidth that this rarely becomes an issue.

Speed wise, cable Internet typically ranges from 3 Mbps to 10 Mbps, up to 3-4 times faster than DSL. However, expect to pay more for the service - $40-$50 per month.

::Pros::

- Faster speeds than DSL

- More widespread than DSL

- Distance does not affect speed

::Cons::

- More expensive than DSL

- Line is shared with other users

With all that said, you need to think about what type of user you are. If you are a heavy Internet user and downloader, you would highly benefit from a broadband connection. For the light users who use the Internet just to check emails, are probably better off with a dialup. However, if you are willing to splurge some cash on a broadband connection, then by all means, upgrade!

Mark Pascua is the webmaster of PersonalConfuser.net, a computer how-to and tips website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Pascua

Broadband - Is It All The Same?

By Michael Russell

For the uninformed Internet surfer, broadband may very well be, well, broadband. After all, it's a generic term, so isn't all broadband the same? Or more specifically, aren't all broadband service providers the same? The answer to this question is unfortunately a very big no. And what makes this even worse is that because of the lack of knowledge that the general public has, they may simply go for the broadband service with the most attractive price tag. In many cases, this can leave you with a service that isn't much better than ordinary dial up. So what is it that makes broadband services different? While we can't go into great detail here, we'll at least try to give you some basics so you'll at least have some clue what to look for when shopping for a broadband service.

Broadband is loosely defined as a high-speed connection. What is a high-speed connection? It is generally accepted that anything above dial up, or 56K, is considered a high speed, or broadband connection. However, there are several types of broadband connections and they don't all provide the same speed, or data transfer rate. The most popular types of broadband are DSL, Cable, Wireless and Satellite. Each of these types delivers a different rate of speed, in spite of what the service providers claim and I am sure you've heard the claims. "4 times faster than DSL" and blah, blah, blah. The problem is, you have to read the fine print.

Fine print?

Oh yes and tons of it. The truth is, there are various levels of broadband and you pay based on the level you get.

The lowest level of broadband is basic broadband. These are actually very low speed broadband services that aren't very reliable and are pretty much good only for home use and not much better than dial up.

After that, you have what's called Business Grade Broadband. These are much higher speeds of around 512 Mbps. However, they can also be as low as 256 Mbps. These types of connections are more suitable for running a business and much more reliable than basic broadband.

The highest level of broadband is called Advanced Broadband. This level is used mostly by businesses that have an enormous number of users. This level is about as fast as you're going to get and offers the most reliable connections and security features. It is also very expensive.

It is because of all these differences that many casual users, such as the home users, don't know what to choose. Again, they get sucked in by the low price tags without reading the fine print that the service they are getting is the lowest level service. For example, one recent DSL ad offers a monthly price of about $20 a month for DSL service. But if you look at the fine print you will see that it is for their slowest speed.

It's like anything else in life. With broadband, you get what you pay for.

No, not all broadband is the same.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Broadband

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

How to Test Your DSL and Cable Internet Connection Speed

By George Chamoun

There are two measured elements that determine your internet connection speed. They are: The download rate, and the upload rate of data measured in bits per seconds. Usually, it is expressed in Kilobits per second.

A bit is the smallest piece of data that can be stored in a computer. The bit can be either "0" or "1". The byte is eight bits. Example of a byte and bits are the following:

bit= 0 or 1

byte=8 bits

1 byte=10011101 (eight bits)

A single charcter needs one byte or eight bits to be stored in a computer. So, when the data rate is 1 byte/sec, that means one character per second is the rate at which data is transferred through your connection.

This is very slow, and only intended for an example. In order to browse the internet, you must have at least a dial up access with a 56kb/s modem, in order to get a meaningful and practical result.

There are different types of internet connection. First they introduced the dialup connection using your phone line, then the broadband was introduced.

The broadband internet connections are DSL, Cable, or Satellite internet services. They are widely used and expanding due to the high bandwith.

When you get an internet service, your provider states that your speed will be a certain numbers. They usually give you a good idea, but not an exact one. The common asked questions
among internet users is:

How do I know what is my connection speed, and if I am getting what I was promised?.

If there anyway I can test my connection, and do I need to buy expensive software to test it?.

The answer is simple. There are two ways to test your internet connection speed:

1- The manual simple calculation test that you can do yourself without any software or third party services.

2- You can find a service that lets you run a test through their servers, and get your numbers displayed at their webpage.

1-The manual method:

Since I mentioned that the connection speed consist of two numbers, the download and upload speed. So, what you do is download from the internet any free software, and watch the result box with the result that show the size of the file and how many seconds it tool to download.

When you are done recording the download speed, upload a file of a specific size (1 Mb, 2 Mb), and time your watch when you start. When the file is uploaded, check your watch and record the time it took for the task. Then divide your file size by the seconds it took.

If you file was 2 Mb. that took 5 minutes to upload, then your upload speed is 2 Mb./300 sec. or 6.826 Kbits/sec.You can run the above test couple times, and then take the average for a better result.

2-The automated test at a third party service:

This is my preferred one, where you get to a website where the test is done for you. It is done using a script installed on their server, and letting you download and upload to their server a test file (invisible to you). Then, the result is displayed on their webpage. You just have to register for free using your email. It is free. This is a website address where they offer you a free internet connection test:

http://www.visualware.com.

In summary, don't settle for numbers given to you by your services, do the tests whenever you can. You enjoy it, and feel that you are getting your money worth. This is because some servcies charges you 35 dollars or more for a high speed internet service.

Thanks,

George Chamoun

I have created an Ebook about troubleshooting procedures for DSL, or Cable connection problems. You can get it for free by
right clicking the link and saving to your computer:

http://www.ebookfreestore.com/software/ComputerEbook.pdf

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Chamoun