Working with Bandwidth Speed

Testing and increasing your bandwidth speed

Bandwidth speed basically refers to the rate of data transfer. It can significantly affect all of your office operations. The amount of bandwidth you need depends on how many users you have in your office environment, and what those users are doing. A graphics design firm that is regularly uploading and downloading large images or website files will need more bandwidth than an office where users are just checking email a couple times a day.

Your rate plan from your ISP determines your available bandwidth. You shouldn't pay for more bandwidth speed than you need, and you shouldn't scrimp on your bandwidth plan if you find out that you need more bandwidth is currently covered by your plan. Here are some steps for optimizing and working with bandwidth speed:

1. Find out the bandwidth speed of your Internet connection.
2. Figure out how much bandwidth speed your office actually needs.
3. Consult with your local ISP to increase or lower your bandwidth speed plan based on your findings.
   

 

Test your Internet connection to find out your current bandwidth speed

Numerous free sites have cropped up on the Internet that allow you to test your bandwidth speed from any computer in your office. Take advantage of these tools to find out what kind of bandwidth you have available.
Try: SpeedTest.net is a global broadband connection analysis tool. They have a couple of neat features, including the ability to compare your results with those that share your ISP or your geographical area. Bandwidth.com has a less glitzy version of the bandwidth test.

Use network bandwidth speed analysis tools to determine the needs of your office

The easiest way to figure out how much bandwidth speed is required in your office is to set up an internal traffic analyzer. There are programs designed specifically for bandwidth monitoring and reporting.
Try: You can download a free trial of NetFlow Analyzer at AdvantNet. The actual program is a little pricey at around $800 for ten interfaces. For slightly less, you can order Network Packet Analyzer CAPSA 6.9 from Javvin Technologies.

Discuss your bandwidth speed with your local business ISP

Once you have determined your current bandwidth speed and the bandwidth needs of your office, you can make modifications by getting in touch with the business department of your local ISP. Most of the big ISP websites have landing pages dedicated to small, medium, corporate and enterprise-level businesses.
Try: WebMediaBrands has posted an article describing the top 23 US ISPs by subscribers. Your ISP is probably in that list. AT&T, Comcast and Time Warner Cable are the big three. Contact the business department at your local ISP to make the necessary changes to your bandwidth plan.

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