As cool as satellite internet is, there are a lot of complaints with it. But what if there was better technology? What if it wasn't about technology at all?
25 March, 2022 | Posted by:
Category: Business Internet, News, Internet, Technology | No Comments
There’s cable internet, DSL, fiber optics, and then there’s satellite. These are the most common means of connecting with the internet today. The best option, and usually the fastest, is fiber. But that involves installing the wires needed. Thus, fiber is mostly limited to urban areas. Rural internet customers are left out, both figuratively and literally. If DSL and cable are not installed nearby, then the only options left are satellite internet providers, or if you're lucky, fixed wireless. As cool as satellite-internet is, the common complaint is that it’s too slow, or that weather interferes with the signal too easily. There's change on the horizon though. Is there a way to make satellite internet more reliable? Who's working on new technology to decrease latency, and increase download speeds to be on par with fiber? What if it wasn’t about technology at all? As of this writing, there are companies out there working on just that. According to an article on PC Mag, it’s the “New Space Race.”
To solve the issues plaguing satellite internet’s reliability and latency issues, both well-known and unknown companies have begun their own research into how to get around all the factors involved with transmitting internet signals from the earth’s surface up into space.
DSL, fiber, and cable, all have the advantage of being installed on the ground. Satellite services like HughesNet and Viasat, contend with about 310 miles, at least, of space between them and the transceiver they’re hooked up to. That’s 310 miles, at least, of space that stuff can get in the way. Storms, even some cloud cover, can have an effect on this signal. A satellite signal is, at its core, energy riding on waves. Clouds and storms have a way of breaking up that energy. Sometimes it’s a small disturbance, other times it’s a big one. Geography, such as mountains and trees, have a more powerful effect on this energy. The signal can’t go around them, which is why satellite dishes need to have a relatively clear line of sight to the satellite itself.
Tossing a football a short distance is easy. Throwing it the length of a football field, and into the hands of an open receiver, is much more difficult. And while NFL quarterbacks are paid millions to do this, their accuracy is still on par with satellite signal strength. I could name a few quarterbacks who’ve upset me in this way, but that would be too mean. A satellite, in simplest terms, is throwing a football over 310 miles, at least, to a receiver. The receiver must be able to catch and throw it back. To extend the metaphor further, because of the distance and the among of energy needed to hurl something that far, the satellite can only throw a small football. That football needs to go up to the satellite, and back, quickly. Which is why it’s kept so small. That’s why there are data caps involved in satellites.
To combat these issues, companies are trying new methods for getting around the issues. SpaceX’s Elon Musk petitioned the FCC to send up over 7500 satellites for his endeavor, Starlight. These satellites would be placed at different altitudes above the earth, some in low orbit (310 miles), some in medium orbit (3,000 miles) and the rest in geostationary orbit (about 22,000 miles). The idea is to have more satellites to transmit the signal to resolve any latency and speed issues. Google has Project Loon, which will use balloons instead of satellites. These balloons will be sent up to the stratosphere and will link up to transmit signals. Then there’s OneWeb, similar to Starlight, only they’ll use a small number of satellites for their network. The key difference is the method in how they link the satellites together. The short answer is; it’s complex. Both developers are using a different way to set up their networks. Which one will do a better job?
All this new technology will undoubtedly yield some benefits. The speed and reliability of satellite internet may remain at the level it is today for some time. But it’s good to see brilliant minds working to solve the issues. The more they work on it, the sooner we’ll see results. The technology, however, is not what will be the deciding factor in who wins the New Space Race. It’ll be because of these three factors.
All the technology in the world will not solve the problem of increasing the speed and reliability of satellite internet. Sure, technology is great, it can connect us over great distances, but it needs to be structured in such a way to achieve that greatness. Amazon didn’t perfect the book-buying business, they found a better way to deliver the books to the customer. To do this they needed a warehouse and delivery system. They could have started with delivering toothpaste and it still would have come down to how well they were able to get that product into the hands of the person who ordered it. Satellite internet, to be the next big thing, needs an infrastructure that maximizes the technology available. By streamlining the process, the satellites above can do a better job of sending and receiving signals.
AS with any movement, there are the early adopters. These are the people who see the value in something that’s not been perfected yet. There will be bugs involved, frustration when it comes to incorporating it, and other problems. These early adopters gladly take on that burden because they see this new technology as giving them a value far outweighing the problems. The trick is getting those early adopters to see the opportunity, which leads us to point #3.
Steve Jobs, Herb Kelleher, and Mark Zuckerberg have something in common. They respectively did not invent the home computer, cheap flights, and social media. They found a better way to market it to the consumer. Jobs with his Apple II made his computers easier to use by taking out the need for the average joe to know the programming language. Kelleher found a way to make buying flights simple, fun, and cheap. Zuckerberg took the concept of a university-wide student directory and put it online along with the ability to message friends and share pictures. There are other pioneers like these who didn’t invent something new, they just found a better way to market it to the individual. For satellite internet to take off, it will not be because someone figured out a way to make it 100% reliable. Though that would be very important to the story, it will mean nothing if no one knows about it.
The one constant in life is that there will always be change.
The internet is no different. What will the next change be? No one knows for certain. Given that there are a lot of minds, and a lot of money, involved with improving satellite internet, satellites will play a bigger part in the future of it. Until then, we’ll have to make do with what we have. If you’re a rural customer or an urban one, save yourself some time and check out the best internet and cable packages. This way you don’t have to do all the work of finding the best deals in your area, and you can save some money too.
Fast, reliable, internet. That's the dream,right? Finding the right Internet Service Provider, however, isn't always so easy.
25 March, 2022 | Posted by:
Category: Business Internet, Internet, Technology, This & That, Tips | No Comments
Fast, reliable internet. That’s the dream, isn’t it? In today’s world, it’s more important that we have a fast connection than being connected to the internet at all. To ensure this near lightspeed access to the internet we have to go through an internet service provider or ISP. In a funny twist of fate, we often look around on the internet itself to see who’s the best ISP, why they are the best, and what other people are saying about them. To save you on time, let’s break down what makes the best ISP for you and your area. That approach may sound odd until you realize that a company simply calling itself “the fastest and most reliable” is simple marketing. Different factors, some of which are outside of an ISP’s control, affect the speed at your specific location. Much like the internet itself, you’re part of a large web. Each of these factors is a thread that connects to other factors before connecting you to the internet. (No spiders were harmed!)
An internet connection depends on how many megabytes per second, Mbps, can be uploaded and downloaded in a second. Akin to a good juggler, your ISP is tossing up a ball up in the air while being able to catch another coming down- ten, fifteen, even up to 1000 balls in a second. The faster an ISP can juggle, the better connection you’ll have. Look for the number to determine how good they are. If they can juggle ten balls, meaning their connection speed is 10 Mbps, that’s pretty good. For those looking for a connection to support more than one person, then look for 15 Mbps or higher. When it comes to an entire business, 40 Mbps or higher is recommended. Of course, geography will affect how well your ISP can juggle. If you’re wanting to download big files or play online games, then a higher Mbps will be needed to handle that capacity. In other words, the juggler is going to have to juggle larger balls.
Internet speed can be confusing. Whether you're new to the internet or even a long time user,you may be wondering,What internet speed is right for you?
13 February, 2022 | Posted by:
Category: Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, Technology | No Comments
UPDATED: 02/17/20
February 17, 2020
Internet speed can be confusing. Whether you're new to the internet or even a long time user, you may be wondering, how does internet speed work? How much internet speed do I need?
Global access to high-speed internet continues to grow exponentially. As more of the world's population logs on, it makes us wonder: What is the future of high-speed internet?
21 February, 2022 | Posted by:
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According to research, the average American has access to 10 internet-connected devices. By contrast, the average Japanese person owns about 6 internet-connected devices. This translates to nearly 50% more devices per person than some other nations with access to high-speed internet. However, we manage less than 50% of the average Internet speeds for the nations with the fastest internet, such as Jersey and Liechtenstein.
So, this shows us that we have far more devices per person, but many other countries have much faster internet service. Why is this? Well, there is no single, simple answer. In fact, there are many reasons that can quickly complicate the topic.
For example, Japan and South Korea (who each have slightly better internet speeds compared to the USA) have a major advantage of geography - with cities linked closely together - making it easier to install and support high-speed Internet infrastructure. But, what else could be in play? And, where do we go from here?
The USA is geographically larger and has a higher population density - meaning it's harder to spread internet infrastructure across cities. It also means that many people are far away from the physical servers where their data is stored. A user in New York City browsing websites on servers in San Francisco can experience speeds slower than another person in Denver browsing sites on servers in Los Angeles.
Aside from the distance information must travel through the internet, another important factor that contributes to internet speeds is competition among broadband internet service providers (ISPs). When competition increases between companies, the companies themselves must find ways to provide a more user-friendly and innovative product in order to outcompete their rivals.
Generally, service providers have little incentive to upgrade infrastructure when it's not necessary for them to do so. ISPs tend to focus on areas with high population density because it is more profitable. Therefore, inaction from the government also contributes to slower speeds.
As a result, unless the government steps in to provide incentives or subsidies, it becomes difficult for smaller towns and rural areas to have faster internet infrastructure because there is simply no profit incentive for ISPs to focus their efforts in those areas.
The good news? This is about to change. The 2021 Infrastructure Bill has allocated an additional $65 billion for investment in broadband infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on boosting connectivity in underserved areas. This is the largest investment in broadband infrastructure since the Telecom Act of 1996 (which deregulated and incentivized companies to invest in internet infrastructure).
Here in the United States - where there's lots of open space between cities and we are retrofitting older technology on a vastly larger scale than other nations - we're taking major steps to catch up and re-establish our lead in the broadband arena. To achieve this, the annual investment in American high-speed Internet services is growing by leaps and bounds.
Over the last 20 years, the US has invested more than $300 billion into internet infrastructure. That investment is what allows us to enjoy surfing the web as effortlessly as we do today. Interestingly enough, according to Pew Research, an estimated 7% of Americans are not connected to the internet. Still, according to the 2021 Census, nearly 92% of Americans have at least one computer and 85% have broadband internet service.
From $300 billion over two decades to $65 billion in just a few years, this means the US is poised to dramatically improve connectivity scores. However, while investment is obviously a huge step in the right direction, the USA, Japan, and many other nations also have many major universities and research facilities putting an emphasis on science and technology - which can help develop better, faster, stronger Internet infrastructure.
All these figures are interesting in their own right, but what can they uncover about the future of global high-speed internet connection? In the next decade, as more and more citizens around the world become connected - through devices or otherwise - there will be a greater opportunity to use the information that we transmit to provide valuable insights into how we can improve our lives.
Data has the potential to help us make better-informed decisions and plan for a brighter future. Our world is increasingly becoming interconnected, and as more countries gain access to high-speed internet connectivity - we'll see what role this information will play in shaping our global society.
We all know the terms 4G and the latest buzz around 5G networks, but do you know what it really even means? Well, the "G" stands for generation, and it's basically just a way to differentiate the speeds of networks -- 4G being faster than 3G, for instance. These terms relate mostly to mobile internet capabilities.
But, another potential game-changer in terms of modernizing our internet infrastructure lies within the realm of 10G technology. No, we didn't skip over generations 6-9 to get us here. Rather, the "G" in this term stands by Gigabit, and 10G is a global initiative working to bring 10-gigabit residential connections to homes all over the world.
Currently, many households in the US enjoy 1 Gbps internet service. Things work pretty well as we stream to multiple devices and play HD games. Having a 10 Gbps connection means that we could download an entire 1 GB movie in just .8 seconds.
Since this type of bandwidth is significantly faster than the average US household's internet speed, which averaged at 11.9Mbps during the third quarter of last year, there is a good chance you will be hearing more about 10G in the near future.
As for the infrastructure required to support these speeds, fiber-optic cables will be used in this case. It is widely accepted that fiber-optics is the best, most future-technology-proof solution currently available to us.
Fiber optic cables are similar to the ones that bring you your favorite shows on Netflix or Hulu because they operate using light - transmitted down hair-thin strands of glass or plastic.
They are much thinner than traditional copper wires and transmit data faster than the average household internet connection mentioned above. However, there are currently no fiber-optic cables that run directly to your home.
Instead, they usually connect to a small box near or on your building called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which allows your ISP to access the network and provide you with service through traditional copper lines.
The ONT box plays an important role in fiber-optic cables. These cables, which are made of flexible bundles of glass fibers, transmit data by sending light through the fibers. The main components of these cables include strength members to hold the cable together and optical fibers that actually carry the signal - much like traditional copper cables.
In 2020, Comcast announced they have achieved a big milestone in the road to 10G service becoming the standard for ISPs. One of the most significant drivers of their desire to win the 10G race is the fast-growing metaverse. In order to support a metaverse-centered web experience, internet providers must have the network infrastructure in place to support the speeds that VR and other metaverse-related web experiences will require.
Currently, Comcast has already achieved 4Gbps internet speeds through its innovative modem prototype created in conjunction with Broadcom. The modem utilizes what is known as a Full Duplex DOCSIS 4.0 system-on-chip (SoC). While these results were achieved only in a laboratory setting, Comcast is confident they can bring this technology to their customers as well as millions of internet users around the world.
There is an elephant in the room we collectively need to address. While this question is certainly open for debate, one thing is for sure: those who claim that the metaverse will replace the internet seem to be confused about the difference between the internet and the world wide web.
The internet is a massive system of servers that connects users to websites across the world, while the web is a way for users to present information to one another on these sites.
That's not to say that the metaverse will not have a profound impact on the types of devices incorporated into the internet's structure. But, all the hype around the metaverse really neglects to distinguish between the two terms. This sentiment has been echoed by Dr. Tom Furness who is commonly referred to as the "Grandfather of Virtual Reality."
Aside from how the metaverse will affect the way we experience the web, there is one form of internet technology that is far more likely to replace the internet. Quantum Computing will have a far more profound impact on the current internet infrastructure. This is partially because Quantum Computing has the potential to render our current security protocols powerless.
But, it is mostly because a server with Quantum Computing capabilities would be exponentially more powerful than a server without these capabilities. In other words, the infrastructure required to support Quantum Computing would also allow for better internet connectivity around the world – and could ultimately replace the current model of internet servers we use today.
It is not difficult to imagine the kind of problems that can arise when our current internet security methods and current internet infrastructure are rendered obsolete in a short period of time. This would be an issue for all facets of life, including global financial systems and international security.
And while it is clear that there are some interesting possibilities on the horizon, Comcast believes - as well as many others - it is best to keep our eyes on emerging quantum technologies.
In today's age, there is a common consensus among the experts that monitor the trends of the digital world: "Think Globally, Surf Locally." With this in mind, it becomes clear that we need to focus on optimizing the ways we connect to the digital world and how we can interact with technology in a manner that is sustainable, responsible, and forward-thinking.
The infrastructure required to support this type of connectivity will need to be robust enough to accommodate transmitting exponentially more data at faster speeds—and it must remain constantly available.
This constantly connected world has the potential to impact every sector of life – from business and entertainment to education and public safety – and we can expect some interesting changes as more citizens around the world become connected.
From understanding the environmental effects of connectivity to improving our healthcare system by tailoring medications based on an individual's genetics with the assistance of telehealth programs, there are more possibilities than ever before.
By taking all of this - and more - into account, many experts believe the future growth of internet connectivity will remain steady in the hands of fiber-optic network providers.
These companies are largely in charge of building the framework that will support a sustainable and forward-thinking world. And, as more of the world comes online, we will continue to see data-driven technologies that impact our daily lives. Perhaps most importantly, this connectivity enables us to share ideas and learn from one another across geographic locations - bringing communities closer together through real-time collaboration.
As we have explored in this article, the technologies on the horizon are rapidly changing the way we connect to and surf around the web. The future of internet connectivity is bright and full of possibilities.
As the world becomes more connected, we will see data-driven technologies that touch our daily lives in ways never before imagined possible - from healthcare to education to communication methods for businesses. It's up to us as a society to embrace these changes and work together so they are implemented responsibly and with consideration for all stakeholders involved.
The team here at KonectEaze is excited about the future of connectivity around the world. And, we are delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with our partners in this space so that all internet users can experience an optimized web browsing experience.
Browse our website to learn more about the services we offer. Or, feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions!
Internet speed is expressed in megabytes per second. Abbreviated as Mbps,this number measures the amount of information traveling over the... Read More
19 September, 2023 | Posted by:
Category: Gaming, Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, Tips | No Comments
Are you moving into a new home and in need of reliable and efficient internet service? Look no further! In this beginner's guide, we'll walk you through the internet speed requirements for various activities such as streaming, gaming, video conferencing, browsing, and email, as well as downloading large files. By understanding these requirements, you can ensure that your internet speed is fast enough to meet your needs. Let's dive in!
: To ensure a smooth streaming experience, it is recommended to have a minimum internet speed of 100 Mbps. This advanced service provides sufficient bandwidth for high-quality video and eliminates buffering issues. With fast internet speeds, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming of your favorite movies and TV shows without any lag or interruptions.
Fastest Internet for Seamless Streaming: When it comes to streaming, the faster your internet connection, the better. With broadband speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps or more, you can effortlessly stream content in 4K resolution while simultaneously using other devices on the same network. Investing in a reliable and high-speed broadband connection guarantees optimal performance when enjoying your favorite streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
These speeds are important factors that determine the quality of your streaming experience on these popular platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Ensure that your broadband service provides enough bandwidth to support fast internet connections needed for uninterrupted viewing pleasure without buffering issues or video lag.
Note: If you're looking for more advanced services like gaming or video conferencing which require higher internet speeds than what's mentioned above (100Mbps or faster), it's advisable to consult with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) about available options tailored to those needs
- Internet Connection Type: Fiber-optic connections, such as advanced services offering 100 Mbps or higher bandwidth, generally provide faster streaming speeds compared to DSL or cable internet.
Streaming quality can be affected by factors such as the type of internet connection, the number of devices connected, and network congestion.
- Number of Devices Connected: When multiple devices are connected to the same network, it can slow down your internet speeds and affect streaming quality.
- Network Congestion: During peak hours when many users are online, broadband networks may experience congestion which can result in slower streaming speeds.
Fast internet speed is crucial for a smooth online gaming experience. To minimize lag and ensure seamless gameplay, a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps is recommended. However, for optimal performance in multiplayer games or high-definition graphics, it's best to aim for speeds above 50 Mbps.
In addition to fast download speeds, low latency is equally important for online gaming. Latency refers to the delay between when you input a command and when it is executed in the game. For an enjoyable gaming experience, aim for latency below 50 milliseconds (ms), with anything below 20 ms considered excellent. This will help prevent frustrating delays and maintain responsiveness during intense gameplay sessions.
1. First-person shooter games require fast internet speeds to ensure smooth gameplay and minimize lag. Aim for at least 10 Mbps download speed and a latency below 50 ms for an optimal gaming experience.
2. Massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) demand a reliable and fast internet connection to handle the heavy data load. A minimum download speed of 25 Mbps, upload speed of 5 Mbps, and low latency under 100 ms are recommended for seamless gameplay.
3. Real-time strategy games rely heavily on quick response times, making low latency crucial. Aim for a minimum download speed of 15 Mbps, upload speed of 5 Mbps, and latency below 50 ms to avoid delays in executing your strategies effectively.
Reducing input lag and improving responsiveness are crucial for online gaming. With low latency, players can execute their actions quickly without experiencing delays, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience. It allows gamers to react faster to in-game events and enhances their overall performance.
Low latency also plays a significant role in enhancing the competitive gaming experience. In multiplayer games, every millisecond counts when it comes to making split-second decisions or engaging in fast-paced battles. By minimizing latency, gamers gain an edge over their opponents, enabling fairer competition and more intense gameplay.
Additionally, having low latency helps prevent game freezes or disruptions during online gaming sessions. High-latency connections can lead to frustrating interruptions that hinder the flow of gameplay and disconnect players from the immersive virtual environment. A stable and fast connection with reduced latency ensures uninterrupted gaming sessions and maximizes enjoyment for all players involved.
Fast internet speed is crucial for a seamless video conferencing experience. To ensure smooth communication, a minimum upload and download speed of 1 Mbps is recommended. However, for high-definition video conferencing or larger group calls, a faster internet connection of at least 5 Mbps is necessary to avoid lag and audio/video disruptions.
Understanding the Bandwidth Requirements for Video Conferencing:
Recommended Internet Speeds for Popular Video Conferencing Apps:
Factors to Consider when Choosing Internet Plans for Smooth Video Conferences:
The upload and download speeds of your internet connection play a crucial role in the quality of video conferencing. A fast and stable internet connection ensures smooth transmission of audio and video, reducing lag and buffering issues. Additionally, low latency and ping rates are vital for seamless communication during video calls, as they minimize delays between sending and receiving data. Lastly, employing effective bandwidth management techniques can optimize the quality of your video conference by prioritizing network resources for real-time communication needs.
When it comes to browsing and email, you don't need the fastest internet speed available. For smooth browsing and email access, a minimum speed of 5 Mbps is recommended. This will allow you to load web pages quickly and send/receive emails without any delays or buffering issues. With this speed, you can easily browse websites, check your inbox, and stay connected online without any interruptions.
Understanding the basics of internet speed is crucial for ensuring smooth browsing and email access. Factors such as network congestion, device capabilities, and server performance can affect your overall browsing experience. It is recommended to have a minimum internet speed of 25 Mbps for basic web browsing and email access. To test your current internet speed, you can use online tools like Ookla Speedtest or Fast.com. Additionally, optimizing your browsing and email experience involves clearing your browser cache, minimizing the number of open tabs, disabling unnecessary browser extensions, and keeping your devices updated.
To download large files efficiently, you need a fast internet speed that can handle the data transfer. The minimum recommended speed for downloading large files is around 25 Mbps. However, for optimal performance and faster downloads, it is best to have an internet speed of at least 50 Mbps or higher. With a faster connection, you can avoid long wait times and complete your downloads in no time.
Bandwidth limitations play a significant role in affecting download speeds for large files. If the available bandwidth is limited, it can result in slower download speeds as the data transfer rate is restricted. Additionally, server capacity and distance also impact download speeds as servers with higher capacities and closer proximity to the user tend to provide faster downloads. Furthermore, network congestion can cause delays in downloading large files due to increased traffic on the network resulting from high demand or peak usage periods. Considering these factors can help ensure faster internet speeds when downloading large files for a seamless user experience.
In conclusion, having a reliable and efficient internet connection is crucial for various online activities such as streaming, online gaming, video conferencing, browsing, email access, and downloading large files. By understanding the internet speed requirements for each of these activities, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable online experience.
For streaming, a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps is recommended for standard-definition content, while high-definition streaming requires at least 10 Mbps. Online gaming typically requires a minimum speed of 15-25 Mbps for optimal performance and minimal lag.
Video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams require a minimum internet speed of 1.5-2 Mbps for smooth video and audio quality. Browsing and email access can be done comfortably with a minimum speed of 25 Mbps.
When it comes to downloading large files, a minimum speed of 25 Mbps is recommended, but having a higher speed of 50 Mbps or more can ensure faster downloads and eliminate long wait times.
To determine your current internet speed, you can use online tools like Ookla Speedtest or Fast.com. It's also important to consider factors such as network congestion, device capabilities, and server performance, as they can impact your overall internet experience.
If you're in the process of moving to a new home and need a reliable and efficient internet service provider, visit www.konecteaze.com. They can help you find the best internet options available in your area, ensuring that you have a seamless online experience in your new home
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