Internet Speed

[IbramGaunt]

I am just wondering, what is a good speed for internet use. Well at the moment I have a 56k modem but was planning on getting broadband which says its 512k/128k. Does that mean 512k download speed and 128k upload speed?

Would this be a good connection for things such as downloading and surfing the web?

What I am especially am wondering is if this would be good for online gaming. This service is wireless and I've heard that wireless is bad for gaming. Is this true?

Thanks for the help ;)

[Strawbs]

As long as you have good signal strength, wireless is as good as wired because, for the most part, it will be faster than your down\upload speeds - which will be limiting for gaming - I recommend you go for at least 1mbps for online gaming.

as for download speeds - well that depends on file size and your level of patience! 512kbps is a massive step up from 56k, but you'll soon get used to it and be tapping your fingers waiting for larger files to land.

to sum up - the more speed you have the bigger the files you'll want to d\l. ;)

[IbramGaunt]

Well you see I live in the middle of nowhere, so all I have available to me is wireless.

Well for gaming particularly, would it be at least decent? I mean all the times I've played with a 56k there has been a lot of laggy moments and I would get kicked for lagging a lot. Would 512k stop the slow downs and stuff?

[Strawbs]

Oh! I see.

I thought you meant you were getting a wireless router.

You should be ok with 512! but a little lag sometimes will still be evident, not enough to get you kicked though ...unless your isp gives you an unreliable feed (know your entitlement before you sign up - read the small print carefully).

[IbramGaunt]

What do you mean by "unreliable feed". What should I know before I sign up? I'm afraid I'm a complete dolt when it comes to computers! :D

[Strawbs]

1. What do you mean by "unreliable feed"?

2.What should I know before I sign up?

3. I'm afraid I'm a complete dolt when it comes to computers!
1. a poor\weak signal that regularly drops out while you're trying to surf\game! or a server that regulrly falls over! meaning you won't be able to connect as and when you require.

2. Learn what the pitfalls of a wireless internet connection are! Find out the ISP's policy of compensation for failures that are of their making! Be certain to know what you're entitled to.

The small print might hint at the possibilities & regularity of failures! Dig deeper and research any statement that you're not happy with! Call them to get some assurances, then ask where you can view those assurances - if it's is online, print it and keep a copy in your records so you can quote directly if your connection fails for a long period.

3. This does not just pertain to computers - It goes for all purchases! You have certain rights! learn what they are! then, at the first failure, demand that any supplier upholds their end of the deal - give 'em h£ll.

[tim008]

even though it says 512k download, you will never download at that speed.
ive got 8mb and camn never get it to download faster than 5.6 mbps

[dajogejr]

even though it says 512k download, you will never download at that speed.
ive got 8mb and camn never get it to download faster than 5.6 mbps

Not true at all.

I have 6MB download and often reach that on files...and various speed test sites.

512K is a LONG ways away from what you or I have.
At our speeds...we could be reaching the limits of the other side of the fence on some servers.

Many servers on the back end have downloads throttled so it is more efficient by the whole.

Many people that are getting the huge pipes (more than 4MB/s down) are failing to realize what's on the other end could be limiting their download...not their actual provider.

Tim...have you tried some reputable download speed test sites, such as those foun on DSLreports.com?

Also, overall Internet traffic has a lot to do with it. On my home PCs...at 2 in the morning, it's always fast. However, once I get home from work...around 5PM eastern time...it does degrade from 5 to 20% because more people are simply using the Internet getting home from work.

If you're paying for 8MB/s and can't hit 80% of that speed pretty consitently, I'd be having words with my ISP....