Internet speed

[JDArt]

What has the most effect on Internet speed: the speed of the connection itself, the speed of your processor, or something else?

[swampler]

Assuming any recent computer, the connection itself. My father-in-law had an old Win ME based computer that was so slow, that it even slowed the internet down, but anything modern will be purely connection speed.

[brian.austin]

Depends. The more things between you and your target site, the more variables get involved. Sometimes it's processor, although rarely these days. Sometimes it's the immediate connection (ie your actual Internet connection). Sometimes it's the firewall you're using (if at all). And other times it's deeper into the Internet on one of the various networks (typically at peering points). And, to add yet ANOTHER element, it could be the target site's connection speed...or their processor...or their hard drive speed.

[physicsguy]

I am no expert but one of my sons (who is pretty good at this) and one of my daughters (who is in the profession) both have told me that the single most significant factor is the operating system. Both of them have set up home intranet systems so their server connection to the internet runs linux rather than either windows or the mac operating system. FWIIW. Me, I don't know that much so I just have a router connecting me to a cable modem, etc.

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by physicsguy

I am no expert but one of my sons (who is pretty good at this) and one of my daughters (who is in the profession) both have told me that the single most significant factor is the operating system. Both of them have set up home intranet systems so their server connection to the internet runs linux rather than either windows or the mac operating system. FWIIW. Me, I don't know that much so I just have a router connecting me to a cable modem, etc.

I'd be curious WHY someone thinks that.

I've worked with Linux, Mac, Windows, and Solaris as a network analyst/engineer (including for an international ISP) for over 10 years. While each has advantages, it's not a big factor on Internet speeds. I'd have to see some serious hard data to be convinced.

[Songman45]

Originally Posted by brian.austin

I'd be curious WHY someone thinks that.

I've worked with Linux, Mac, Windows, and Solaris as a network analyst/engineer (including for an international ISP) for over 10 years. While each has advantages, it's not a big factor on Internet speeds. I'd have to see some serious hard data to be convinced.

I think the OS only relates to the speed at which the computer get hurled across the room out of user frustration. Vista flies.

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by Songman45

I think the OS only relates to the speed at which the computer get hurled across the room out of user frustration. Vista flies.

Now that's funny.

[physicsguy]

Originally Posted by brian.austin

I'd be curious WHY someone thinks that.

I've worked with Linux, Mac, Windows, and Solaris as a network analyst/engineer (including for an international ISP) for over 10 years. While each has advantages, it's not a big factor on Internet speeds. I'd have to see some serious hard data to be convinced.

Brian,

I have no doubt you are right. In light of your comment, I can't say I understand enough even to be sure I understood what my kids were trying to tell me.

My best response probably would have been to shut up and disappear but I decided that might leave doubt in some future readers mind. I should know better than to write anything that late at night

[swampler]

At the risk of sounding stupid (or showing my age), perhaps they were talking in reference using ICS (internet connection sharing), that it was better to have a dedicated server acting as a router instead of using ICS on a computer being used as a non-server computer? Seems that before routers got popular, people would use ICS and then the "advanced" users would set up a Linux based server instead of using the sharing method. Routers have replaced this need for a do it yourself in-home internet router.

[aam1234]

For a DSL, I heard the distance between you and the exchange is a factor.

[swampler]

Originally Posted by aam1234

For a DSL, I heard the distance between you and the exchange is a factor.

That isn't exactly controllable...unless you're willing to move. I think DSL pretty much has enough repeaters now that the actual exchange itself isn't that important.

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by swampler

That isn't exactly controllable...unless you're willing to move. I think DSL pretty much has enough repeaters now that the actual exchange itself isn't that important.

Depends on where you are. DSL speeds are still linked to line conditions and distance from the Central Office (CO). Attenuation at longer distances ends up increasing the error rates to the point where it's impossible to get a clear signal. So the frequency is decreased to allow a "stretch" (that's simplified but it works).

In urban areas, CO's are closer together and switching equipment is upgraded regularly. In rural areas, though, it's pretty much old school stuff. Why bother improving the infrastructure when there is no added benefit for the utility?

[Kevin Barrett]

Originally Posted by brian.austin

Depends on where you are. DSL speeds are still linked to line conditions and distance from the Central Office (CO). Attenuation at longer distances ends up increasing the error rates to the point where it's impossible to get a clear signal. So the frequency is decreased to allow a "stretch" (that's simplified but it works).

In urban areas, CO's are closer together and switching equipment is upgraded regularly. In rural areas, though, it's pretty much old school stuff. Why bother improving the infrastructure when there is no added benefit for the utility?

Having worked in the telco industry, this is a correct assessment. Not much hope in the forseable future for those beyond the reach of xDSL.

With the analog to digital transition happening across the United States for Television broadcast, Verizon was the high-bidder for the 700mhz band. Their use of this band will be in high-speed wireless transmission across the continental United States. The technology brand name is "LTE" and it is often lumped in with discussions of WiMax or 4G.

Verizon ups ante on LTE deployment: 2009 - Ars Technica

The 'promise' is potentially 12mbit/sec transmissions to rural customers etc. in 25-30 markets by the end of 2010, but this most likely will get delayed due to production difficulties over at Qualcomm.

[Vedauwoo]

I don't see it mentioned above.......

Also consider your in-house telephone wiring! Especially if you live in an older building or one that has not seen significant remodeling....(or one that has, for that matter (damage from construction...)

My building is 50 years old...wait...60 now....and installing new wiring from my outlet to the telco box made the most dramatic improvement of anything I tried....

[felix.reichardt]

Originally Posted by JDArt

What has the most effect on Internet speed: the speed of the connection itself, the speed of your processor, or something else?

Youtube and filesharing ...

[jazzy]

your internet speed is all about your isp,check it here
Speedtest.net - The Global Broadband Speed Test
it's free

[felix.reichardt]

I'm an expat in Indonesia that site is too frustrating. Please don't laugh :-( I have ADSL with 1Mb/s. Photocamel sites load pretty fast though.

[jazzy]

hey felix u funin with me right try this one
Speakeasy - Speed Test

whats a expat

[felix.reichardt]

Originally Posted by jazzy

hey felix u funin with me right try this one
Speakeasy - Speed Test

whats a expat

Not a joke. An expat is someone who works and lives in a foreign country.