Big three ISPs continue to dominate speed tests
NBR staff | Friday April 13, 2012
TrueNet's latest report finds the three largest ISPs (Telecom, TelstraClear,
Vodafone) continue to top its independent speed tests.
The company was recently appointed the Commerce Commission's second broadband tester.
Its principal, John Butt, reports on the latest results:
In this March report TrueNet measures the experience consumers' have while surfing the Internet from their home computers. TrueNet probes based in ISP customers' homes, report that browsing performance remains the same for most ISPs, and file download speed consistency is improving.
TelstraClear Cable is now best at both browsing as well as file download performance.
Browsing Performance
We measure the download speeds of ISPs customers who have volunteered to have TrueNets probes placed in their homes. Each probe's results are averaged over a whole month, then the median probe performance is recorded for each ISP.
TelstraClear Cable remains the best overall by a significant margin, but TelstraClear DSL (the most common type of broadband connection) has slowed down. Vodafone and Telecom are showing little change in time taken to download a web page, and their customers are experiencing the quickest download speeds of all our DSL volunteers.
Amongst the slowest performers Snap improved, but still retains last place, Slingshot and Orcon have both slowed significantly while WorldxChange is slowing a little.
Speed by Time of Day (File Download)
Variations in file download speeds (also known as Throughput) are a good indication of the capacity ISPs make available to their customers. Consistent speeds indicate sufficient capacity for peak and off-peak use times.
TrueNet measures the speed of a file download every hour on every probe; and then averages the speed for all downloads for each ISP measured at the same hour throughout the month. (that is over 600 tests per datapoint on the graph below)
We noticed that TelstraClear Cable changed settings for most probes on 21st March to raise the off-peak speed from 15Mb/s to about 17Mb/s. Most of their customers now get better than their advertised 15Mb/s almost all the time. We show these results compared to TelstraClear Cable's advertised speed.
DSL speed is dependent on copper cable distance from the exchange to the customer, and thus ISP can have minimal influence the maximum speed to each of their customers. ISPs advertise their service using the words "Full speed" or "Maximum" or "Optimised" to explain the maximum speed a line can achieve. For DSL we compare hourly performance with the average maximum for each ISP.
This chart is provided as a visual way to identify when file downloads slow down for ISPs, most can be seen to slow during the peak usage period after 6pm.
The Table below demonstrates that for the month of March, Telecom, Snap & WorldxChange maintained better than 95% of their the average maximum speed recorded joining TelstraClear Cable meeting our target. Note: Vodafone dip below 95% only during off-peak hours such as at 6am and 9am, remaining better than 95% during the evening peak hours.
ISP: Busy Period Speed as % of Advertised Speed
TelstraClear Cable: 97%
Telecom: 97%
Snap: 96%
WorldxChange: 95%
Vodafone: 94%
Slingshot: 91%
Orcon: 89%
TelstraClear DSL: 76%
We have less than five probes for Maxnet, Inspire and Actrix, we need more for these ISPs in order to publish their results. TrueNet's target is almost 60 probes per major ISP and we need more volunteers for all ISPs. To volunteer click here.
With the support of the Commerce Commission, our volunteer growth has escalated, we expect about 100 new probes to be included in the April report. We are looking for a further 100 - 150 volunteers.
Source: Article link
Big three ISPs continue to dominate speed tests
NBR staff | Friday April 13, 2012
TrueNet's latest report finds the three largest ISPs (Telecom, TelstraClear,
Vodafone) continue to top its independent speed tests.
The company was recently appointed the Commerce Commission's second broadband tester.
Its principal, John Butt, reports on the latest results:
In this March report TrueNet measures the experience consumers' have while surfing the Internet from their home computers. TrueNet probes based in ISP customers' homes, report that browsing performance remains the same for most ISPs, and file download speed consistency is improving.
TelstraClear Cable is now best at both browsing as well as file download performance.
Browsing Performance
We measure the download speeds of ISPs customers who have volunteered to have TrueNets probes placed in their homes. Each probe's results are averaged over a whole month, then the median probe performance is recorded for each ISP.
We measure the download speeds of ISPs customers who have volunteered to have TrueNets probes placed in their homes. Each probe's results are averaged over a whole month, then the median probe performance is recorded for each ISP.
TelstraClear Cable remains the best overall by a significant margin, but TelstraClear DSL (the most common type of broadband connection) has slowed down. Vodafone and Telecom are showing little change in time taken to download a web page, and their customers are experiencing the quickest download speeds of all our DSL volunteers.
Amongst the slowest performers Snap improved, but still retains last place, Slingshot and Orcon have both slowed significantly while WorldxChange is slowing a little.
Speed by Time of Day (File Download)
Variations in file download speeds (also known as Throughput) are a good indication of the capacity ISPs make available to their customers. Consistent speeds indicate sufficient capacity for peak and off-peak use times.
TrueNet measures the speed of a file download every hour on every probe; and then averages the speed for all downloads for each ISP measured at the same hour throughout the month. (that is over 600 tests per datapoint on the graph below)
We noticed that TelstraClear Cable changed settings for most probes on 21st March to raise the off-peak speed from 15Mb/s to about 17Mb/s. Most of their customers now get better than their advertised 15Mb/s almost all the time. We show these results compared to TelstraClear Cable's advertised speed.
DSL speed is dependent on copper cable distance from the exchange to the customer, and thus ISP can have minimal influence the maximum speed to each of their customers. ISPs advertise their service using the words "Full speed" or "Maximum" or "Optimised" to explain the maximum speed a line can achieve. For DSL we compare hourly performance with the average maximum for each ISP.
This chart is provided as a visual way to identify when file downloads slow down for ISPs, most can be seen to slow during the peak usage period after 6pm.
The Table below demonstrates that for the month of March, Telecom, Snap & WorldxChange maintained better than 95% of their the average maximum speed recorded joining TelstraClear Cable meeting our target. Note: Vodafone dip below 95% only during off-peak hours such as at 6am and 9am, remaining better than 95% during the evening peak hours.
ISP: Busy Period Speed as % of Advertised Speed
TelstraClear Cable: 97%
Telecom: 97%
Snap: 96%
WorldxChange: 95%
Vodafone: 94%
Slingshot: 91%
Orcon: 89%
TelstraClear DSL: 76%
TelstraClear Cable: 97%
Telecom: 97%
Snap: 96%
WorldxChange: 95%
Vodafone: 94%
Slingshot: 91%
Orcon: 89%
TelstraClear DSL: 76%
We have less than five probes for Maxnet, Inspire and Actrix, we need more for these ISPs in order to publish their results. TrueNet's target is almost 60 probes per major ISP and we need more volunteers for all ISPs. To volunteer click here.
With the support of the Commerce Commission, our volunteer growth has escalated, we expect about 100 new probes to be included in the April report. We are looking for a further 100 - 150 volunteers.
Source: Article link
What Is Internet Security? - An Overview!
If you have always thought internet safety is just not your cup of tea – suppose again. You might be under risk if you’re connected with internet in any possible manner! Your electronic mail might be hacked; a hacker can acquire access to your pc and use it for unlawful actions or can hack into your e-commerce website and steal invaluable information and so on.
All types of threats
A virus will not be the one risk that one faces whereas surfing on the web; it is just one of the several varieties of malware out there. Here’s a fast have a look at what ails web users:
1. Hackers: Hackers from all elements of the globe entry websites belonging to corporations, organizations, banks and even Non Government Organizations illegally to serve ulterior motives. They tend to steal labeled data, credit card numbers and other knowledge to make illegal profits. Hackers happen to stay in news courtesy hacking popular web sites, deface them or steal client data.
2. Malware: Malware is a collective identify given to computer viruses, Trojan horses, spyware and worms etc. All such software applications disrupt operating methods, steal info and even assist hackers to acquire unlawful access to web servers, private computers and hand-held devices.
3. Social Engineering: Social engineering is a set of methods that entices an individual into revealing his or her password or checking account data, resulting in theft of enterprise essential data and/or money. The flurry of fake emails claiming stupendous lottery winnings or these from banks asking individuals to enter their online banking credentials are part of social engineering.
Need of the hour is to establish these threats, learn about them and take appropriate actions to make sure security while shopping internet. More about web security tips to remain protected and associated ideas in later parts of this series.
Dinesh Dhiman is a cyber safety expert. Web has emerged as the foremost medium for procuring, information gathering and social networking. In consequence, instances of phishing, on-line theft, id spoofing and so forth are on the rise.
Source: Article Link
Addiction to internet 'is an illness'
New evidence shows that heavy users suffer isolation, fatigue and withdrawal symptoms.
Tense? Angry? Can't get online? Internet addiction is now a serious public health issue that should be officially recognised as a clinical disorder, according to a leading psychiatrist.
Excessive gaming, viewing online pornography, emailing and text messaging have been identified as causes of a compulsive-impulsive disorder by Dr Jerald Block, author of an editorial for the respected American Journal of Psychiatry. Block argues that the disorder is now so common that it merits inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the profession's primary resource to categorise and diagnose mental illnesses. He says internet addiction has four main components:
· Excessive use, often associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives;
· Withdrawal, including feelings of anger, tension and/or depression when the computer is inaccessible;
· The need for better computers, more software, or more hours of use;
· Negative repercussions, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation and fatigue.
A primary case study is South Korea, which has the greatest use of broadband in the world. Block points out that 10 people died from blood clots from remaining seated for long periods in internet cafes and another was murdered because of an online game. Their country now 'considers internet addiction one of its most serious public health issues'. The government estimates that around 210,000 South Korean children are affected and in need of treatment, of whom 80 per cent might need drugs targeting the brain and nearly a quarter could need to go to hospital. Since the average high school pupil there spends about 23 hours per week gaming, Block notes, another 1.2 million are believed to be at risk of addiction and require basic counselling. There has been alarm over a rising number of addicts dropping out of school or quitting their jobs to spend more time on computers. In China it has been reported that 13.7 per cent of adolescent internet users, about 10 million, could be considered addicts.
Block, a psychiatrist at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, writes that the extent of the disorder is more difficult to estimate in America because people tend to surf at home instead of in internet cafes. But he believes there are similar cases, concluding: 'Unfortunately internet addiction is resistant to treatment, entails significant risks and has high relapse rates.' He told The Observer that he did not believe specific websites were responsible. 'The relationship is with the computer,' he said. 'First, it becomes a significant other to them. Second, they exhaust emotions that they could experience in the real world on the computer, through any number of mechanisms: emailing, gaming, porn. Third, computer use occupies a tremendous amount of time in their life. Then if you try to cut the cord in a very abrupt fashion, they've lost essentially their best friend. That can take the form of depression or rage.'
Harry Husted, a single 51-year-old from New York, spends 16 hours a day on the internet. He insists that he is not addicted, but admits that he used to be. 'I used to work with computers for eight hours, then get home and go online for seven hours. I would stay up till two or three in the morning until I got so sleepy I had to go to bed. I wouldn't go out to get the groceries and I couldn't have cared less about friends, TV, anything. After a while I realised what was happening and did something about it. Now if I use MySpace it's only to advertise my business.'
Internet addiction clinics have sprung up around the world in an attempt to wean people off their need for a fix. Many people have turned, apparently without irony, to web discussion boards with names such as Internet Addicts Anonymous. The Centre for Internet Addiction Recovery in Bradford, Pennsylvania, says internet addiction has become a growing legal issue in criminal, divorce and employment cases. It offers a consultation service to lawyers that includes 'assessing the role of electronic anonymity in the development of deviant, deceptive and illegal sexual online activities'.
Robert Freedman, editor of the American Journal of Psychiatry, said expressions of the addiction could be diverse. 'In Korea, it seems to be primarily gaming sites. In America, it seems to be Facebook. It's porn, it's games, it's gambling, it's chatting with friends. All these things existed before, but now they're a lot easier.'
To beat the addiction, he advised: 'A self-help group might be a place to start. Maybe replace an online group with a real one.'
New evidence shows that heavy users suffer isolation, fatigue and withdrawal symptoms.
Tense? Angry? Can't get online? Internet addiction is now a serious public health issue that should be officially recognised as a clinical disorder, according to a leading psychiatrist.
Excessive gaming, viewing online pornography, emailing and text messaging have been identified as causes of a compulsive-impulsive disorder by Dr Jerald Block, author of an editorial for the respected American Journal of Psychiatry. Block argues that the disorder is now so common that it merits inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the profession's primary resource to categorise and diagnose mental illnesses. He says internet addiction has four main components:
· Excessive use, often associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives;
· Withdrawal, including feelings of anger, tension and/or depression when the computer is inaccessible;
· The need for better computers, more software, or more hours of use;
· Negative repercussions, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation and fatigue.
A primary case study is South Korea, which has the greatest use of broadband in the world. Block points out that 10 people died from blood clots from remaining seated for long periods in internet cafes and another was murdered because of an online game. Their country now 'considers internet addiction one of its most serious public health issues'. The government estimates that around 210,000 South Korean children are affected and in need of treatment, of whom 80 per cent might need drugs targeting the brain and nearly a quarter could need to go to hospital. Since the average high school pupil there spends about 23 hours per week gaming, Block notes, another 1.2 million are believed to be at risk of addiction and require basic counselling. There has been alarm over a rising number of addicts dropping out of school or quitting their jobs to spend more time on computers. In China it has been reported that 13.7 per cent of adolescent internet users, about 10 million, could be considered addicts.
Block, a psychiatrist at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, writes that the extent of the disorder is more difficult to estimate in America because people tend to surf at home instead of in internet cafes. But he believes there are similar cases, concluding: 'Unfortunately internet addiction is resistant to treatment, entails significant risks and has high relapse rates.' He told The Observer that he did not believe specific websites were responsible. 'The relationship is with the computer,' he said. 'First, it becomes a significant other to them. Second, they exhaust emotions that they could experience in the real world on the computer, through any number of mechanisms: emailing, gaming, porn. Third, computer use occupies a tremendous amount of time in their life. Then if you try to cut the cord in a very abrupt fashion, they've lost essentially their best friend. That can take the form of depression or rage.'
Harry Husted, a single 51-year-old from New York, spends 16 hours a day on the internet. He insists that he is not addicted, but admits that he used to be. 'I used to work with computers for eight hours, then get home and go online for seven hours. I would stay up till two or three in the morning until I got so sleepy I had to go to bed. I wouldn't go out to get the groceries and I couldn't have cared less about friends, TV, anything. After a while I realised what was happening and did something about it. Now if I use MySpace it's only to advertise my business.'
Internet addiction clinics have sprung up around the world in an attempt to wean people off their need for a fix. Many people have turned, apparently without irony, to web discussion boards with names such as Internet Addicts Anonymous. The Centre for Internet Addiction Recovery in Bradford, Pennsylvania, says internet addiction has become a growing legal issue in criminal, divorce and employment cases. It offers a consultation service to lawyers that includes 'assessing the role of electronic anonymity in the development of deviant, deceptive and illegal sexual online activities'.
Robert Freedman, editor of the American Journal of Psychiatry, said expressions of the addiction could be diverse. 'In Korea, it seems to be primarily gaming sites. In America, it seems to be Facebook. It's porn, it's games, it's gambling, it's chatting with friends. All these things existed before, but now they're a lot easier.'
To beat the addiction, he advised: 'A self-help group might be a place to start. Maybe replace an online group with a real one.'
Source: Article link
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