Month: April 2016

In today’s day and age everything needs to be ultra-fast. Be it your commute, the delivery of purchased goods, or data download speed. Building on the latter, several internet service providers (ISP) have devised high-speed internet packages to cater to your needs. A blazing fast connection is definitely expensive; users need to figure out whether these packages are right for them. In order to figure out the right kind of internet connection required, the consumer needs to understand his own internet usage. Does he use the internet to send emails, play online games or stream videos?

Internet Use

Browsing the internet, uploading photos and checking email –

If these are primarily what you do on the internet, then a high-speed internet plan of 1-2 Mbps will suffice. This is the basic package offered by several internet service providers.

Streaming high-quality videos –

If you’re the one that likes to stream high definition videos, an internet connection of 4 Mbps is required. However, many internet providers will recommend 6 Mbps or higher for better results.

Online gaming –

Internet package required for playing games online is a bit tricky. The fastest download speeds don’t help, as online gaming relies on the internet speed of the host server. However, an internet connection of 2 Mbps or more is best for this module.

The speeds mentioned above are as per device. Previously there used to be only one device that consumed all of the internet connection. Now, there are several gadgets like laptops, smartphones, tablets, gaming systems etc. that consume your internet connection all at once. If all the members in your family are tech savvy and data hoggers, then an ideal internet plan for you will be anything between 6-10 Mbps.

Follow these pointers while choosing an internet package; otherwise you may end up burning a hole in your pocket by availing an ill-fitting broadband internet plan.

What is Internet speed and how is Internet speed measured?
The speed of the internet means the speed in which content or data travels from the World Wide Web to your smartphone, home computer, laptop or tablet. The speed of this content or data is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). 1 megabit = 1,024 kilobits. This conversion means 1.0 Mbps is more than 1,000 times faster than 1.0 kilobit per second (Kbps). High-speed Internet connection also known as broadband is defined by upload speeds of at least 200 Kbps and download speeds of at least 768 Kbps. The difference between upload speeds and download speeds are clarified in the following statement: upload speed means the rate that online data is transmitted from your computer to the Internet, whereas download speed means the rate that digital data is transmitted from the Internet to your computer. Broadband can be provided by high-speed internet service providers, cable operators or telephone companies. One of the fastest Internet options available across the nation today is broadband internet.

What aspects affect Internet speeds?
There are several factors that can disturb your connection to the Internet or your internet speed. The specific types of Internet connection you may be using have high chances of hampering your internet connection. Examples of Internet connections include dial-up or modem, mobile, 4G wireless or 3G wireless, DSL, satellite, ISDN, cable, mobile, hotspots, and more.

Every now and then, the ability of an Internet network or a website can affect speeds by topping off the limit that Internet users can stream data, download or upload. Website with high-traffic can also cause your Internet connection to slow down when visiting that domain.

In addition, your smartphone, laptop, tablet or home computer will necessitate meeting the minimum system requirements instructed by a high-speed Internet service provider. Internet speeds may vary based on the performance and configuration of applications, software, hardware, computers and other equipment systems. Running multiple devices off the same home network will increase the demand of your home’s Internet system and may affect Internet speeds or Internet connection. Also, you can verify your internet connection by performing a broadband speed test that is readily offered by several websites.

Slow Upload Speeds in High Speed Internet Connections
For several users, downloading files are much, much faster compared to uploading files. This is normal as maximum of high-speed Internet connections, including DSL and cable modems are asymmetric. They are designed to provide the user with a better download speed than upload. Since a majority of the users spend more time in downloading multimedia files or viewing web pages than they do uploading, high speed Internet providers have crafted their systems to give importance to downloading. So there is no surprise there if your upload speed appears to be way slower than your download speed.

Another aspect to be aware of is that providers advertise their speeds in kilobits. 8 bits = 1 byte, so the numbers advertised for your connection is generally much higher.

Your download and upload speeds will never match the maximum speed that is advertised by the internet service provider. Generally, the user gets only get 85-90% of the advertised maximum speed, and it’s very carefully stated in the small print of your service provider’s advertising that they only promise “up to” the maximum speed advertised. There are several reasons why this may happen. Firstly, your internet connection may be shared with other people in your neighborhood, building or society, so several users may be consuming the internet which inadvertently causes the internet to slow down. Secondly, servers may be busy downloading and uploading several files for numerous users, so they are unable to provide the maximum possible speed for your files. Lastly, other network activity on your computer may be the prime reason for a slowdown, since it must all share the same connection. If you’re trying to transfer two moderate or heavy files at the same time each of those transfers will go slow. Browsing the web or checking and composing your emails should have a very minor impact on transfer speeds as it doesn’t consume much of broadband internet.

Internet Service Providers (ISP) often guarantee that they will deliver high speed internet at blazing speeds if you buy their highest bandwidth packages. This misinforms the consumers and leads them to believe that a higher bandwidth connection is synonymous to a faster internet connection and they opt for the given broadband plans. In fact, there are a dozen of factors that affect the user response time or speed and bandwidth is just a part of those several factors. The appropriate way to refer to bandwidth is NOT as speed but capacity.

Bandwidth is an age old term that preexists the dawn of computers and all other digital technologies. It is extensively used in analog technologies like acoustics, radio transmission and several others. In computing language, bandwidth is frequently used to indicate the quantity of data that is being transmitted at any given time. This is usually measured in bits per second with shared values expressed in thousands (kilobits per second, billions (gigabits per second) and in millions (megabits per second). Speed is simply a description of how fast things can be done. In computing, bandwidth and speed are repeatedly used interchangeably since they often mean the same thing.

A prime example where bandwidth directly relates to speed is when the user is downloading a file across the internet or network. Larger bandwidth means that additional files are being transferred at any given time. Therefore, the file would be downloaded at a much faster rate. This is also applies when you are surfing the Internet as larger bandwidth would result in video streaming smoother and web pages to be loading faster.

To attain the best possible speed for your Internet connection, it is not necessary to have a great bandwidth connection. It is also vital that your latency is low to make sure that the information reaches you swiftly enough. This only matters though if you have sufficient bandwidth as low latencies without enough bandwidth would result in a slow internet connection.

Advantages of a high speed internet connection
Following are the reasons why you need a high speed internet connection –

Faster Page-Load Time
No matter how regularly you use the Internet, it is always an annoyance when it takes time for a page to load. With a high speed Internet connection, pages will load at blazing speeds than the average speed and this will involve less page reloading. As several people enjoy surfing the Internet with numerous tabs open, without a high speed connection this becomes a problem. If you invest in a high speed Internet package, you can have endless tabs open at the same time, which includes pages with photos and videos.

Uninterrupted Streaming
Streaming movies, music, television shows and slideshows are becoming increasingly popular with each passing day. Many people are investing in a high speed Internet connection just to enjoy uninterrupted streaming. A high speed Internet connection is capable of streaming media without interruptions and we’ve bid adieu to those days where reloading movies and videos in the middle of watching was quite common. Not only were these pauses irritating, sometimes they required much more than just reloading the page and we ended requiring more troubleshooting. A Wi-Fi internet connection with good speed can easily handle several gadgets consuming high data easily. But, as a pre-requisite you will have to invest in good wireless broadband connection.

Multiple Internet Users are supported
As they say “Too many cooks spoil the broth” but not in the case of a high speed internet connection, if there is more than one person in your household using the Internet at the same time a high speed internet will not let you down and slow things. A family can together browse on several gadgets connected to a high speed connection and still perform their internet activities flawlessly without worries. With the capabilities of high speed Internet connection, every member of the family is able to utilize the Internet simultaneously without a glitch in connection.

Playing video games online is the new trend among gamers worldwide. Here you can compete with a gamer from a different country and test your skills against him. The only thing required for flawless online gaming functioning is a high speed internet connection. Otherwise, the game will have a lot of ‘lags’ and make the whole process frustrating and boring. Gaming online can only be enjoyed when the internet speeds are good. According to a survey there are roughly 48 million online gamers for the Xbox platform and 110 million online gamers for the Play Station platform. These numbers are only going to grow.

Realizing the need for faster connection for gamers, internet service providers have designed certain internet packs exclusively for this module. These net packages provide super-fast internet to gamers so they can enjoy playing online, lag free. These ideas were derived from platforms such as Xbox and Play Station networks. The official site of Xbox recommends an internet connection speed of a minimum of 3 Mbps (megabits per second), but it’s also important to understand that your gaming station is not the only one consuming internet at your place.

Other devices will also require the net and a pack of 3Mb will not suffice for online gaming. It’s better to be safe than sorry and purchase a connection of 6-10 Mbps. These high speed internet packages will not be cheap, but it’s a very small price to pay for an avid online gamer.

Your internet service provider will have several broadband internet packages in his ensemble. The trick is to identify the right one for you. If you stream HD videos online or are a passionate gamer then an ultra-fast internet pack is the best for you. On the other hand, if browsing mails and surfing websites are your only primary function online, then a high speed connection of 2-4 Mbps will suffice.

It’s almost been 2 decades since we were introduced to the World Wide Web (WWW). The progress has been substantial; we’ve moved on from the slow and pokey 56k dial-up connections to multi-megabit broadband connections. Blazingly fast internet connections are the need of the day. At certain markets, broadband connections are being tested at ‘gigabit’ speeds! This will be 17,800x more the bandwidth than 56k dial-up connections.

Nowadays, consumers can choose from several internet service providers that offer DSL, cable and even wireless internet connection. The latter is the one gaining massive popularity because it eliminates a lot of hassles. A wireless connection has better bandwidth range and can also be accessed in remote areas. One of the primary reasons that wireless is attaining worldwide popularity is that it completely abolishes the use of cords. So no more entwining wires, tripping on cords, and shabby rooms; a wireless broadband connection can be accessed through a data card or wireless router.

Wireless connection also is cost effective and the installation charges are meager. In India, infrastructural hindrances and financial ineffectiveness has resulted in the restriction of wireless connection in rural areas. Nevertheless, telecom companies are working day-in and day-out to sort this discrepancy and provide wireless broadband internet to rural India too.

A wireless connection can be accessed by any of your gadgets and high speed internet can be accessed on-the-go. This, in particular is a boon to corporate India as fast access to internet while traveling can result in tremendous turnovers and business acquisitions.

Contact your internet service provider if you want to install a wireless connection at your home or work station. He will have an array of internet packs in his ensemble, choose one that suits your expenses and also your internet needs.

4G broadband has finally entered India. With plans for rapid expansion, it will not be long before 4G broadband reaches all the corners of the country. 4G technology will revolutionize the way Indians live, communicate, and do business, whether in urban or rural areas.

4G is the fourth generation of mobile communications technology. It is a combination of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and 3G. Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is the most widely used technology for 4G networks.

Benefits of 4G

4G in India is a boon for the country, offering a number of benefits to users. The biggest advantage of a 4G network is its high speed. 4G speeds are nearly 4 times higher than the previous 3G speed. With such high-speed internet it becomes a lot easier to conduct a variety of tasks online, whether video conferencing with business clients or streaming music, videos, and movies. In addition, the process of setting up a broadband connection with 4G is a lot more convenient and efficient, as it involves a simple installation process, as compared to the long drawn procedures of previous broadband services.

4G signals are also a lot more reliable, offering improved connectivity to users. Understanding the rising importance of the internet, 4G networks will ensure that connectivity is never lost. With 4G, wireless broadband internet has wider coverage, as compared to limitations in the range of Wi-Fi signals. Moreover, 4G makes use of a robust security platform to provide users with a strong and highly secured network.

The entire communication process will be enhanced with 4G. The technology will be used not only in phones and laptops, but also in everyday gadgets like watches and televisions, among others.

Bigfoot Broadband 4G

4G services in India offer multiple benefits. Mumbai-based Bigfoot Broadband Digital Networks provides a superior experience to customers through its seamless network. Bigfoot Broadband 4G offers users lightning speeds for the transfer of a large amount of data. It provides speeds of up to 6 Mbps.

4G also introduces users to a whole range of value-added services. 4G services will allow consumers to use various features at costs that are nearly the same as those provided with 3G services. Part of this benefit may be attributed to the quick and hassle-free method of deployment of 4G services.

Bigfoot Broadband offers flexible plans for 4G LTE in India. There are different plans for homes and offices. Various tariff plans are offered, with customization options meant to allow users to pick packages that suit their usage and data requirements. With Bigfoot Broadband entering the fray, consumers are spoilt for choice and will have little trouble finding plans that suit their needs.

Internet technology has helped simplify most of our everyday tasks, making otherwise tedious financial transactions and payments simple and fast. Today, online payments are not just restricted to purchases made on e-commerce websites. Online shopping just represents one area of the use of internet technology.

Due to rapid advancements in mobile and internet technology, you no longer have to wait in long queues to pay your bills. Your phone bills, television bills, electricity bills, and other utility bills can all be paid online.

Convenience in Paying Bills Online

With high-speed internet, all your bills can be paid online in simple procedures that will take minutes. Most of these transactions are also processed in real time.

There are different methods of making online payments and most websites and service providers give consumers a wide choice when it comes to payment options. You can make online payments using your debit card, credit card, e-wallet, prepaid card, or net-banking, among others.

You can execute all of these tasks from anywhere with the help of a wireless internet connection. Whether working at your office desk, or seated at home, you can pay the bills at your own comfort. With advances in mobile and wireless technology, you can even make payments while travelling!

Other Benefits

Many utility service providers also allow you to choose a predetermined date for payments, automating the payment process. You may also choose a monthly date for recurring bills. With just a simple confirmation from your side, the bill will be paid every month.

Online bill payment is a safe and secure method, as you never have to worry about carrying cash, which means that there is little risk of theft or loss of money. It also becomes easier to track payments as digital receipts are mailed to you and can be easily reproduced and stored. A secured wireless broadband connection enhances safety when making such online transactions.

Paperless transactions are also eco-friendly. This makes the option all the more attractive today, considering the dire consequences of climate change and the inadequacy of our efforts to combat it.

With a number of benefits associated with the online payments of bills, you should try to switch to this method on a regular basis. A high-speed broadband network will make your task even simpler.

Rapid technological advances in recent years have spurred the growth of wireless internet services. The scope of wireless or Wi-Fi connections is not just limited to computing via traditional devices like desktop computers and laptops however. Today, there are numerous devices that employ and exploit wireless technology, greatly enhancing their utility and the importance of wireless technology.

Some of the benefits of a Wi-Fi connection include:

1. No Wires:

The most obvious benefit of a Wi-Fi internet connection is the absence of wires, due to which there is much less clutter. This also makes your workspace easier to clean and there is less room for the accumulation of dust. Such wireless connections are also perfect for locations at which it would be impractical or impossible to setup wired connections, such as at historical monuments or in certain rented residences.

2. Multiple Devices:

Wi-Fi networks allow multiple devices to connect to the network simultaneously. While all of the devices can access Wi-Fi internet services, they can also communicate with each other wirelessly and share data using the Wi-Fi network. Some of the devices that can connect to a Wi-Fi network are tablets, laptops, PCs, mobile phones, and printers, among others.

3. Connectivity:

Wi-Fi networks ensure greater connectivity at all times. Whether you are seated in the cafeteria or conference room at your office, you will still have wireless access to the Wi-Fi network. This ensures that your business or personal conversation is not affected. It helps to maintain a continuous flow of communication and enhances the business and productivity of a company.

4. Easy Access:

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network is very simple. Once the network has been setup, you can easily connect any device with a wireless adapter to the network, without requiring any technical knowledge. Wireless internet connection at public places and cafes, further help to stay connected, ensuring that you can continue with work, even when out travelling or meeting up with friends or associates.

5. Cost Effective:

It does not cost much to setup a wireless network and a Wi-Fi network becomes even more cost-effective when multiple devices connect to the network, in the past you would need to use wired connections to maintain connectivity between devices and the services of an engineer to configure and setup those connections. Expansion of the Wi-Fi signal is also much simpler, when compared to wired installations.

6. High-Speed:

Wi-Fi connections offer higher speeds as compared to traditional wired networks. Transferring large data, streaming videos, and downloading applications becomes faster and easier with the high-speed internet services, offered by most service providers today.

7. Battery Saving:

Smartphones use less battery power when connected to a Wi-Fi network, as compared to when using mobile data. With better connectivity and higher speeds, transferring and downloading tasks become quicker, further increasing battery life.

The usage of wireless internet services is growing rapidly. Experts believe that by 2020, around 3 billion people will be active wireless internet users. The rapid growth of Wi-Fi usage is attributed to the ease of access, wider coverage and greater benefits offered, in terms of convenience and speed.