Technology

Communications - Internet

The Internet Quick Guide

Are you confused about all the different Internet technologies?   This section explains the different forms  of internet access  from Dial-up through to ADSL and Optical Fibre.

1. Dial-up Internet.


When the internet first started the only way of connecting was to connect via the phone network.  The best available speed was about 48 kbit/s. Today thankfully this method has almost disappeared with the wide spread use of ADSL Internet.

Pluses: 

  • Available anywhere a phone was connected;
     

Minuses: 

  • Tied up the phone when internet was on
  • Slow and unreliable
  • Expensive time based usage.

2. ADSL

This technology revolutionised Internet access. It still uses the phone line but operates as higher frequency channel so the phone can be used at the same time.  Speeds can be in excess of 10 Mbits/ download and 0.8 Mbit/s upload.

Pluses: 

  • High Speed,
  • Relatively low cost,
  • Uses existing phone lines;

Minuses:

  • Upload speed is much lower than download speed,
  • Speed depends on the distance between your business and the  local telephone exchange. 
  • Can cause problems when the phone line has interference or drop outs. (see the section below on slow internet speeds)

 

3. Cable

The Pay TV cables installed by Optus and Telstra offer an alternative way of connecting to the internet. With typical speed of 20 Mbit's or up to 100 MBit/s on the Telstra network cable is generally faster than ADSL.

Pluses:

  • Higher speed than ADSL

Minuses :

  • Only available if you have a Pay TV cable running past your home.

4. Wi Fi.

Wi Fi is a substitute for running cables from your computer to the ADSL or Cable Modem. WiFi  uses radio waves instead of running leads from your computer. 

Pluses:

  • Low cost way of accessing the internet within your home or business without running cables:
  • Ability to access the internet in public places where wireless hot spots are provided such as hotels and some restaurants.

Minuses:

  • Relatively short range of around 3 rooms away from the Modem,
  • Signal is subject to interference from other nearby networks, two radios, microwave ovens.

 

5. Broadband Wireless Internet.

Is the newest kid on the block. It piggy backs on the Mobile Phone network to provide speeds up to 7 Mbit/s. It works by having small USB Broadband device attached to into your  PC or built into your Mobile Phone or iPAD.


 Pluses: 

  • Portable, Internet access is now mobile you can gain access to the internet from anywhere there is  Mobile Phone network coverage.

Minuses:

  • Data Plans more expensive than ADSL or Cable Internet.
  • Speed and coverage can be highly variable depending on the quality of the mobile phone signal and congestion from other users.

 

6. Ethernet.


This is a Telstra product that provides high speed for both upload and download.

Pluses: 

  • For businesses who need faster upload speeds when accessing information from their servers from the internet.

Minuses:

  • Higher Cost

 

7. Optic Fibre- National Broadband Network.(NBN)

Optic Fibre is a very tiny piece of glass "wire" run within a cable and capable of transmitting data using light at extremely high speeds. It has been used by Telecommunications companies to carry long distance telephone and data traffic for about 30 years. Now the Australian Government is rolling out fibre direct to homes and businesses in all cities and most towns over the next 5 years. 


Pluses:

  • Much higher speeds minimum of 100 Mbit/s but capable of 1 Gbit/s.

Minuses:

  • Higher cost to buy and cost to taxpayer of $43 billion

 

What are the six most common causes of slow internet on ADSL?

Slow speeds on the internet can be caused by:

  1. Faulty or noisy line causing interference to the ADSL signal.
  2. Faulty ADSL modem.
  3. Staff using file share programs hogging the upload link and unwittingly causing your download limit to be exceeded.
  4. Being on an old plan such as ADSL 1 and not upgrading to ADSL 2+.
  5. Computers infected by viruses.
  6. Poor internal cabling.

Bay City Computers will visit your business and check for all these problems and advise you what needs to be done to fix them.

Why call Bay City Computers ?

If you internet is slow it is often difficult to get to the real cause of the problem.   If you call your Internet Service provider, they may run a check on your line  immediately of you are lucky, or you may need to wait several days to have it checked out. Meanwhile your staff are becoming frustrated and business is suffering.   Once the Internet provider has checked the system and possibly found no problem then you are still stuck with the problem. It may be your equipment, the cabling or a virus in one of your computers.

At Bay Ciy Computers we will take a holistic approach, and check your environment and only call the Internet provider when other causes have been eliminated.  We can also review your current Internet plan and advise on the most cost effective and appropriate plan  for your business.

Why deal with amateurs and time wasting so called service centres when you can deal face to face on site with an IT professional?

Call us on our number above to book an appointment.


Here are 5 reasons to update your Internet service to Business Broadband

  • Faster Speed with an upgrade to new technology (ADSL 2+ is typically 4 times faster than ADSL 1)
  • Professional grade service for similar prices to residential plans.
  • Professional business grade levels of support - without queing with the mums and dads.
  • Receive notifications when usage limits are being reached.

  

If you are wasting time and getting frustrated with your internet connection then talk to the IT professionals at Bay City Computers for the answers.


Talk to the IT Professionals.

  • Get professional advice, contact Bay City Computers to arrange a professional assessment of your IT communication needs.
  • Bay City Computers specialises in communications and networks and can provide professional advice for YOUR Business.
  • Bay City Computers can plan, order and deliver your Internet upgrade with a minimum of disruption.
  • We provide personal service. A fully trained, local, IT support expert will be allocated to your business and will provide ongoing personal support after that time
  • Local Service - we service the Bayside area