Archive for March, 2009

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Modem Speed Test

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

Everyone wants a speedy cable modem these days. From online shoppers and businesses to online gamers and surfers, there’s a growing need for speed. Modem is an abbreviation for ‘modulator-demodulator’, and it is a device which allows a computer to transmit data over telephone or cable lines. Since data transmitted through cable or telephone lines is in the form of analog waves, the modem helps to convert it to digital form, so that it can be understood by the computer.

Thus, a modem is necessary for the creation of digital data or signals. Cable modems and ADSL modems are the ones that are commonly used for internet browsing. Aside from internet use, modems are also utilized by the telecommunications sector. 

The 56K (V.90) modem is a common type of modem that is used for connecting to the internet. A 56K can transform data to about 56,000 bits per second. Likewise, a 28.8(V.34) modem can transform data up to a level of 28,000 bits per second.

The first step to take in your quest for speed is to take a modem speed test. This will determine your actual internet speed. You’ll find quite a number of reliable online modem speed test sites that will provide you with this service. The test usually measures the average data throughput by analyzing the time taken to load a graphic image. It will then present you with the result of the test in a 56K/ISDN comparison chart. Hence, a modem speed test will not only enumerate your actual internet speed, it will also offer you assistance in upgrading it as well.

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Broadband on Tribal Lands

Monday, March 30th, 2009

As reported by Speed Matters.org , the second NTIA broadband roundtable in Las Vegas, the discussion revolved around reaching vulnerable populations, selection criteria and definitions of “broadband”, “underserved” and “unserved”.

Broadband Census.com reports that panelists used Nevada as a case study for the digital divide, as Jeff Sandstrom of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development pointed out that the majority of rural Nevada doesn’t have access to broadband Internet. Finding ways to extend broadband would play a major role in Nevada’s “economic revolution,” Sandstrom said, particularly with the state’s focus on solar and geothermal power. Additionally, Nevada’s wildlife, agriculture, e-learning, telemedicine and business communities would benefit from better broadband, he said.

Then, representing the National Tribal Telecommunication Association, Karen Twenhafel of Telecom Consulting Service said that eight American tribes already have their own telephone companies and continue to pursue “self-provision of communication services.” Others among the Indian tribal lands – at least 29 percent, she said – still do not have access to broadband technology. “For 4.3 million Americans, this type of participation is simply not available.”

Valerie Fast Horse, council member and director of information technology for the Coeur d’Alene tribe, continued with panel’s concern for broadband for tribal communities. “The communications of this nation is only as strong as its weakest link.”

She said that tribal and rural areas had been left behind in communication development. What is needed now, she said, is infrastructure “with a long shelf-life” – referring to fiber-optic technology appropriate for delivering high speed internet into rural communities.

“True communication development cannot happen if we only focus on capitalizing infrastructure and equipment, while ignoring our human spirit,” she said.

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4G Means Faster Internet Speeds For Smartphones

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Apparently,  the fourth-generation of cell phones will turn smartphones into powerful Internet machines, with faster Internet speeds that rival broadband connection speeds for the home computer. Early tests of Verizon’s technology are hitting 50 to 60 Mbps, (though the actual speeds in the U.S. have yet to be determined). That’s faster than just about any Internet service available for home setups today. It’s like having Wi-Fi everywhere you go.

Verizon’s 4G service has already started testing in Minneapolis, Northern New Jersey and Columbus, Ohio, and they’re hoping to roll it out to 25 to 30 cities next year. “I know we want to roll it out on an aggressive schedule,” said Ken Muche, with Verizon Wireless.

Ericsson, Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia Siemens Networks are helping Verizon launch its 4G service with a technology called Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, which is the 4G service of choice for AT&T and Cox Communications. It promises a better signal indoors, better quality video, coverage in rural areas, coverage worldwide and the ability to connect to consumer electronics.

A competing 4G standard is WiMax, backed by Sprint. Sprint launched its service in Baltimore in September with Internet data speeds of 2 to 4 Mbps. WiMax technology allows users to roam in a large area and still be connected to a fast Internet connection. Sprint’s XOHM service, with download speeds of up to 12 Mbps, is expected to launch this year (2009) in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, and Seattle. And then in 2010 it’ll make its way to Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

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Mobile Broadband

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Computer technology is continually evolving, and the latest internet technology that everyone is talking about is mobile broadband. This latest internet avatar is so convenient that it can liberate you from your desk, and even your lap. With mobile broadband, the internet will follow you wherever you go.

It’s a remarkable wireless technology that is ideal for people who are always on the move. If your business requires frequent travelling or you have children who live far away, a mobile broadband can keep you connected to your business associates and your family, and the best part is that you can communicate with them even when you’re running errands.

The mobile broadband device is lightweight and compact, and it uses USB modem technology. The USB modem enables a compatible device such as PC or laptop to connect to high broadband speed seamlessly. Apart from PCs and laptops, mobile broadband is also compatible with handheld PDAs, GPS devices installed in cars, and certain mobile phones.

When you use your mobile phone as the device for connecting to the web, the mobile broadband will make your mobile phone screen appear just like a desktop computer. This means that you can check your emails, stay up-to-date with the latest news, or chat on a messenger, all at a blazing broadband speed.

Mobile broadband can be used with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Vista, and Mac operating systems. What’s more, mobile broadband is reasonably priced. If you search online for mobile broadband providers, you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your budget and broadband speed requirements.

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The Feds and National Broadband

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

The Feds are getting up to internet speed with the National Broadband project!  Last week the two agencies work together in this arena, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) both began the process of getting the public’s input. That’s democracy in action.

The FCC released the agenda for their April 8th meeting, in which the National Broadband Plan topped their list.  As Ars Technica reported:  Interim FCC Chair Michael Copps said “This will be a truly inclusive process…‘all’ must mean everyone.”

The NTIA held the first of six broadband stimulus roundtables at the Department of Commerce building in Washington, DC. to get the public’s help on their homework–writing rules to implement the Broadband Technology Oppportunities grant program.

The NTIA’s website explains the basics. Here’s the breakdown:

  • The U.S. Congress has appropriated $4.7 billion to establish a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) for awards to eligible entities to develop and expand broadband services to rural and underserved areas and improve access to broadband by public safety agencies.
  • Of these funds, $250 million will be available for innovative programs that encourage sustainable adoption of broadband services;
  • at least $200 million will be available to upgrade technology and capacity at public computing centers, including community colleges and public libraries;
  • $10 million will be a transfer to the Office of Inspector General for the purposes of BTOP audits and oversight.
    • Up to $350 million of the BTOP funding is designated for the development and maintenance of statewide broadband inventory maps.

Let’s see, that adds up to $810 million. What happens to the rest?  We’re sure it’ll go with internet speed!

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Satellite Internet

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

Many people still believe that cable internet is the only way to have a truly fast surfing experience. However, the truth is that there’s another type of connection that can give you super fast internet, and that is satellite internet. With satellite being used to connect computers to the net, anyone sitting in literally any place on Earth can gain access to the web.

With satellite internet making its foray, internet users in remote areas don’t need to wait for underground cable networks to reach their place. Users in rural areas can say goodbye to their dial-up modems too. With satellite internet, such elaborate paraphernalia is just not required. The users’ computers only require a clear line of sight with the geostationary satellite that is orbiting the Earth. This means that you can be on a boat or in an aircraft, and you will still be able to surf the net.

Satellite speed is phenomenal, to say the least. You can expect downloads of 3 mbps. This means that downloading your favorite YouTube videos or watching streaming movies will be a breeze.

When choosing a satellite internet provider, you should ensure that the plans that are being offered are flexible and the satellite speed meets your computing needs. Yet another factor that you should consider when choosing a satellite internet service is the installation. Installing a satellite connection is best left to professionals. If you look around or search online, you will find a list of providers who can offer free installation when you subscribe to their plans. 

Initially, satellite internet users were restricted to downloading data from the web. Presently, two-way satellite internet is already facilitated, and this allows users to download as well as upload files.

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Crime and Punishment with Internet Speed: Part 2

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

The internet can help increase the speed of justice, but it can get in the way as well, with just as much speed. 

An officer in New York had his MySpace and Facebook accounts used against him in court, as well as Internet video clips, as part of establishing his character. When a man accused of carrying a loaded gun went on trial in State Supreme Court in Brooklyn, what seemed like a simple gun possession case became about whether or not the man had been framed by a dirty cop.

“As the lawyer Ron Kuby says, ‘stupidity on the Internet is there for everyone to see for all times in perpetuity,’” the officer rightly quoted, seemingly having learned his lesson.

In Arkansas,  remarks that a juror posted to Twitter before, during, and after the proceedings may have caused a mistrial. The motion has been filed, but the prosecution has 10 days to respond or the judge may throw out the request.

Though it is a growing concern, some judges are increasingly allowing blogging, tweeting, and audio streaming from their courtrooms. TV host Stephen Colbert even picked on a US Senator for using her Twitter account during President Obama’s recent congressional speech.

The desire to use  internet speed as the measure of the pace of our real lives may be clouding our judgment. There are still some situations that might be better sent in an e-mail to a select group, rather than posted for the world to see. Discretion may be the better part of valor, but it’s also a necessary virtue for anyone who is part of the growing social networking world.

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Crime and Punishment With Internet Speed: Part 1

Friday, March 20th, 2009

The New York Times reported that police agencies are now using the same Web 2.0 tools as everyone else — sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and MySpace.

Last month, police in Auburn, Maine, posted images from a surveillance video on Facebook. Facebook members soon provided tips, and suspects were arrested and charged with burglary and criminal mischief.

Now Web services are being developed specifically to allow public and private investigative agencies to share information, and these tools are increasingly popular within law enforcement.

One service, called CrimeDex, is billed by its creators as a “Facebook for law enforcement.” A former police officer started the service in 2002 after growing frustrated with the wasted time investigators spent trying to determine whether other agencies were chasing the same suspects. CrimeDex is used by more than 1,000 law enforcement agencies and private businesses like banks and retail chains. For a monthly fee, members can submit information, photographs and videos related to possible crimes and make comparisons with data from agencies that may be seeing similar patterns or suspects. “It’s the digital equivalent of the old-fashioned Western sheriffs nailing a wanted poster to a tree,” the site’s developer said.

Another Law Enforcement 2.0 service, CrimeReports.com, is intended to increase the transparency of law enforcement agencies and strengthen their interaction with the public. They allow police agencies around the country to record instances of crime on a single nationwide map powered by Google. Citizens can visit the site too, and see a map of crimes in their neighborhood, peer across city lines to see crimes elsewhere, and sign up to receive regular e-mail alerts of all recorded criminal activity in their area. CrimeReports plans to add a neighborhood watch feature, so citizens can form groups on the service and send alerts and tips to participating police agencies.

And nationwide broadband would increase the speed of justice! But as we’ll find out in Part 2, sharing information with real-time internet speed can cause problems too.

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DSL Connection Speed

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

With DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, online activities are simply a few keystrokes away. DSL is getting increasing popular because it has a unique set of advantages over conventional internet connections such as cable internet and dial-up. Firstly, its lower latency makes it ideal for online gaming. Secondly, DSL makes common online activities such as banking, shopping and downloading video faster than cable internet. Most importantly, DSL eliminates the need of an additional phone, thus, saving time and money.

Since DSL facilitates internet surfing and phone calls simultaneously, it is important that you check your DSL speed, because a dip in the data transfer rate will equate to a sluggish internet connection and poor call quality. Basically, the two factors which will determine your DSL speed are the download rate and the upload rate, both of which are measured in bits per second.

In essence, a bit is the smallest piece of data that a computer can store. On the other hand, a byte is equal to 8 bits. In addition, a single character takes roughly 1 byte to get stored in a computer. Hence, if the data rate is 10 byte/sec, it means 10 characters are being transferred each second. On the other hand, a kilobyte is equal to 1024 bytes, and it is generally used to measure the amount of storage. One kilobit is equal to 1000 bytes, and kilobits (Kbps) are used to measure data transfer.

In a standard DSL connection, you should expect a DSL speed ranging from 144Kbps to 1500Kbps. When you take a DSL connection, your ISP will definitely provide you a data transfer rate that is specific to your plan. However, to be on the safe side, you should run a DSL connection speed test to find out the exact speed of your DSL connection.

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The ‘Connection Speed’ of Social Networking

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Social networking is giving the words “internet connection speed” a whole new meaning.  It’s now more popular than e-mail.  As fast as e-mail is, in these days of millions of bits per second, it’s just not immediate enough. Seeing a message pop into an inbox just doesn’t compare to receiving a tweet on Twitter or even a comment on Facebook.

According to a new Nielsen report called “Global Faces and Networked Places,” “member communities” such as Twitter and Facebook have overtaken personal e-mail to become the fourth-most-popular way people spend time online (after search, portals and software applications).

Two-thirds of the world’s Internet population visit social networking or blogging sites, accounting for almost 10% of all internet time. And based on data from December 2007- 2008, time spent on social network and blogging sites is growing more than three times the rate of overall Internet growth.

“Social networking has become a fundamental part of the global online experience,” commented John Burbank, CEO of Nielsen Online. “While two-thirds of the global online population already accesses member community sites, their vigorous adoption and the migration of time show no signs of slowing.”

It goes beyond individuals to larger organizations, like those listed as the most popular pages on Facebook: Barack Obama’s page is by far the most popular Facebook page with close to 6 million fans, while Coca-Cola, Nutella, and a page about Pizza follow with around 3 million fans. The strange this is that the Coca-Cola page is that it wasn’t even created by the Coca-Cola company. According to AdAge, there are now over 250 Coca-Cola fan pages on Facebook. Companies may be quickly losing control of their brand image.

Another social networking site, FML (FMyLife.com) was already quite popular, but over the last few days, it managed to add more than 100,000 new fans every day.

With this kind of growth, you’ll want to make sure your internet connection speed is at its best.  Clock yours using speedplexer.com.

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