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Tuesday, June 27, 2023

RSAWEB's guide to understanding your internet speed

In today's world, your internet speed determines how well-connected and up-to-date you are with the world. For many of us, a good internet speed is a necessity. But how exactly do we determine what a "good internet speed" is, and how do we ensure we're getting an internet speed that can keep up with us? If your internet service provider is RSAWEB, you'll be glad to know that the RSAWEB speed test is here to help you assess your connection's performance.

In this blog post, we take a deeper look into internet speed - why it matters, how to run an RSAWEB  internet speed test, and how to interpret your results. We'll take it a step further and explore how you can maximise your connection's performance to ensure you're getting the best online experience possible.

Why internet speed tests matter

The saying "ignorance is bliss" does not ring true when it comes to your internet connection. Ignoring the problem of slow internet speed could lead to bigger problems like lack of productivity, an unpleasant online experience, missing deadlines and more - especially if you rely on your internet connection for work and or studying. Speed tests can help you rule out whether your internet speed is slow and needs an upgrade or if you're going through temporary downtime. Either way, it's important to know the performance of your network. And the good news is that there are many internet speed test tools available online and ready to help you get the numbers with a simple "Go".

Internet speed tests measure both your download and upload speeds, as well as any latency in real-time, and give you results based on your current internet connection's performance. This can help you assess the quality of your connection and determine whether it's fast enough for your internet activities or if you need to look into upgrading your package.

Breakdown of internet speed

When you're looking into finding out your internet speed, you'll be met with many technical terms that you may not be familiar with or necessarily understand. We're here to decode your speed test results and simplify these otherwise confusing terms so you can understand your internet connection a lot better. The two main factors to consider are the rates of data transmission, both inbound and outbound, showing how quickly information is sent or received from the web.

Data packet

When it comes to understanding internet speeds, we first need to understand the concept of a data packet. A data packet is a unit of information carried over an internet network. When you perform speed tests, what's really being measured is how quickly these packets can travel from one point to another.

Download speeds

Download speeds measure how quickly you can pull data from the web to your device. It's a contest to find out who can reach the end fastest. The faster your download speed, the quicker you can stream videos, download files, or load web pages.

Upload speeds

Sending data from your device to the internet can be measured by upload speeds, which is important for activities like video conferencing, transferring big files or online gaming. It's like a game of hot potato - the faster you can pass the data, the better. It's like the unsung hero of internet speeds, but it's crucial for many of our daily internet activities like video chats and sending files.

Latency and jitter

Aside from download and upload speeds, latency and jitter also play a significant role in determining your overall online experience. Both can impact real-time online activities like gaming and video conferencing. Therefore, monitoring these values is essential for optimal performance.

Jitter

Jitter represents variations in latency over time – meaning if there’s inconsistency in delays between your device sending/receiving packets, this will lead towards higher jitter values making the connection unstable, especially during real-time applications like video calls or online gaming..

Latency/ping

Latency, also known as ping, refers to delay - essentially how long it takes for a packet of data from your device to reach its destination (like a server) and then return back. Lower latency means less lag time during online activities such as gaming or live streaming.

Factors affecting internet speed

Internet speed is like a cheetah - the faster, the better. Being stuck at slow speeds can feel like you're mired in quicksand. But so many things are at play when it comes to your internet speed. Network congestion, physical obstructions, and even weather conditions can influence your internet speed. To accurately assess your internet connection's performance, tools like speed tests are great resources to measure both download and upload speeds. However, it's also important to note that there are factors that could skew your results, some of which include:

  • Location: The closer you are to the server, the faster your internet speed. So, if you're all the way in Timbuktu, you most likely won't get the same lightning-fast speeds as someone in Joburg.
  • Type of connection: Fiber-optic is the Usain Bolt of internet connections, while DSL and cable are more like the tortoise. It's important to choose wisely when it comes to the type of internet connection you're signing up for.
  • Network traffic: Sharing is not always caring. If your neighbours are hogging the bandwidth, your internet speed will suffer.

Choose the right plan

If you've opted for a lower-range internet plan, it's going to have a big impact on your speed, especially as more devices join the network. RSAWEB has some of the best internet plans and packages in the country. If you're in the market for a better internet plan, check out RSAWEB on Best Internet. Don't settle for slow speeds - upgrade to faster speeds and enjoy the internet like never before.

Pro Tip: Run multiple tests at different times of day for accurate results. Network congestion can affect internet speeds.

Ways to boost your internet speed

If your internet speed is slower than a snail, don't fret. You're not alone, and this is more common than you may think. Luckily, you can quickly increase your internet speed by making a few adjustments, like switching to a newer router or modem that has the newest tech for enhanced performance.

You could also consider switching to a faster connection type, such as fibre-optic, if it's available in your area. This can significantly improve your download and upload speeds as, generally, your internet type has a major impact on your internet experience.

Here are some more internet-boosting tips:

  • Limit bandwidth usage: Too many devices connected at once can cause slowdowns. Try disconnecting some devices when not in use.
  • Clear your cache: Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can help improve your internet speed.
  • Secure your network: Make sure your network is secure by using a strong password. Unauthorised users can slow down your internet speed.
  • Test your internet speed: Running regular speed tests will help you monitor your internet's performance over time so you can identify any issues early on and address them promptly.

Get the best internet speed with RSAWEB

Now that you're more clued up about internet speed - what it means to have good internet and how to measure it - you're ready to start looking for an internet plan that will satisfy your internet needs without breaking the bank. We're here to help you get connected with the best deals from RSAWEB. Run, don't walk, to check them out on Best Internet. You won't be disappointed.
Don't let slow internet hold you back. Take control of your online experience with Best Internet.
Digital Storyteller
Aspen Henriksen
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