Internet Connection Speed
The Web has fast become a major force in education, commerce, entertainment, and society. There's definitely a lot of great resources of all kinds available online. Unfortunately, people sometimes don't get to see it all because they get frustrated by slow-loading pages. Many factors affect how fast you connect to the Internet and how fast Web pages load on your computer. Here are the primary factors that determine how fast you will connect to the Internet and load Web pages in your browser (some you don't have control over, but some you do):

Your modem speed: Most home users connect to the Internet with a modem, which dials in to their Internet service provider over a regular phone line. Your modem speed will greatly affect how fast you can surf the Web or download software. A 28.8K or faster modem is recommended, though 56K modems, the fastest currently available, are now quite reasonable in price. 

Your Internet access number: Even if you have a 56K modem, if you are dialing in to an access number that only supports 28.8 modems, 28.8 is as fast as you'll ever connect. But EarthLink members are in luck: EarthLink has hundreds of Internet dial-up numbers around the country supporting fast 56K access (including v.90).

Phone Line Quality: Unless you are connecting with an ISDN line or a cable modem, line noise on the phone line running into your home may be adversely affecting your Internet connection. To check for line noise, you'll need to log off your computer. Pick up a phone connected to the same line that your modem uses and listen for static — it's that simple. Unfortunately, fixing the problem is not so easy. You can try to nag your phone company into trying to do something, but the problem may be in your phone (try testing the line with more than one phone to rule this out), the wiring in your building, electromagnetic radiation, or other factors, so your phone company may not be able to help.

Your computer: The following computer factors will affect your Internet connection speed:

  • Processor speed: Faster computers will allow you to surf faster than slow computers will (not much you can do about that until you are ready to upgrade your computer).
  • Memory: Computers with more memory will surf faster than computers with less memory. (Memory is relatively inexpensive now, so you might want to consider purchasing some more.) Avoid opening other programs unnecessarily when you're surfing the Web. Also, be sure to allocate enough memory to your Web browser (and give it more than the recommended minimum if you can).
  • Hard disk: A fragmented, overstuffed hard disk can slow down your surfing considerably, so it's a good idea to keep your drive defragmented and optimized. If you can, try to free up some disk space by deleting unused programs or unneeded files. 
  • Cache: Your browser's cache — pronounced "cash" — is a storage area on your computer's hard disk. While you surf, your browser stores Web pages in the cache — up to the limit you set. Your browser can display cached Web pages fast since it doesn't have to fight Web traffic to get to them. So, if you have the disk room, try upping your browser's cache limit from its Preferences/Internet Options menu. Internet Explorer's cache settings are under Advanced; Navigator's are in Cache.
  • Dial-up traffic jams: To avoid dial-up traffic jams (and busy signals for you), EarthLink Sprint Software service offers members more dial-up numbers (POPs) than any other ISP, more than 1,400 to date with more added all the time.
  • Web traffic jams: Web traffic generally increases throughout the day and peaks in early evening. Do your best to schedule long downloads for off-peak hours (downloading overnight is a popular option). Major events and software releases can also cause jams.
  • Heavy pages: All Web pages are not created equal: some are fat and slow, and some are thin and fast. What that means for you is that pages you visit that are either very long or filled with graphics will take much longer to load in your browser than short pages of primarily text. If you are designing Web pages, keep this in mind. Many users will not wait for your graphic-filled page to load.
Here is our take on various connections

Cable - Speeds vary dramatically 1-5 Mbps - plus there can be a serious slowdown due to congestion from too many users. Accelerator software can help increase web speed with various optimizing routines. Many cable companies offer a special combined deal with cable TV and internet access together. Usually you have the same IP number unlike dialup modems where you are usually assigned a different number every time you connect. So with cable, you usually have less anonymity and more security risk as your internet connection is on constantly and hackers are more able to easily zero in on your constant IP designation.

DSL - Various setups 1.4+ Mbps. The speed can also fluctuate depending on the distance from the central connection switch. With cable connection slow-down a growing problem, many users are seeking a good DSL provider.

ISDN - Dual-channel is 128 Kbps. Single-Channel is 64Kbps. Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) includes integrated services to help speed up fax delivery, etc.

56K Dialup - Usually much less than 56Kbps. Dialup speeds vary by the quality of the phone line and the many different user configurations. You can connect to your ISP account from most computers. When you disconnect, you are truly disconnected unlike most always on high speed plans which pose somewhat of a security risk. Usually you will be assigned a slightly different IP number every time you connect providing some anonymity. Web accelerator software designed to boost your speed can really help with these connections.

 











 

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