With the passage of technological progress, the possibilities of the Internet have expanded. However, in order for the user to take full advantage of them, a stable and high-speed connection is necessary. First of all, it depends on the bandwidth of the communication channels. Therefore, it is necessary to find out how to measure the data transfer rate and what factors affect it.
What is the bandwidth of communication channels?
In order to familiarize yourself and understand the new term, you need to know what constitutes a communication channel. In simple terms, communication channels are devices and means through which data (information) is transmitted at a distance. For example, communication between computers is done through fiber optic and cable networks. In addition, a widespread method of communication over the air (a computer connected to a modem or a Wi-Fi network).
Throughput is called the maximum speed of information transfer for one specific unit of time.
Typically, the following units are used to indicate throughput:
Information Unit | Time |
Bit (or byte) | second |
Kilobits (or kilobytes) | second |
Megabits (or megabytes) | second |
Bandwidth measurement
Bandwidth measurement is quite an important operation. It is carried out in order to find out the exact speed of the Internet connection. Measurement can be carried out using the following steps:
- The simplest is to download a large file and send it to the other end. The disadvantage is that it is impossible to determine the accuracy of the measurement.
- In addition, you can use the resource speedtest.net. The service allows you to measure the width of the Internet channel "leading" to the server. However, for a holistic measurement, this method is also not suitable, the service gives data about the entire line to the server, and not about a specific communication channel. In addition, the object being measured does not have access to the global Internet.
- The optimal solution for measurement will be the client-server utility Iperf. It allows you to measure time, the amount of data transmitted. After the operation is completed, the program provides the user with a report.
Thanks to the above methods, it is possible to measure the real speed of the Internet connection without any problems. If the readings do not satisfy current needs, then perhaps you need to think about changing the provider.
Bandwidth calculation
In order to find and calculate the throughput of a communication line, it is necessary to use the Shannon-Hartley theorem. It reads: you can find the bandwidth of the communication channel (line) by calculating the mutual relationship between the potential bandwidth, as well as the bandwidth of the communication line. The formula for calculating bandwidth is as follows:
I = Glog 2 (1 + A s / A n ).
In this formula, each element has its own meaning:
- I - indicates the maximum throughput parameter.
- G - parameter of the bandwidth intended for signal transmission.
- A s / A n is the ratio of noise to signal.
The Shannon-Hartley theorem allows us to say that to reduce external noise or increase signal strength it is best to use a wide data cable.
Signal Transmission Methods
Today, there are three main ways to transmit a signal between computers:
- Radio transmission.
- Data transmission by cable.
- Data transmission through fiber optic connections.
Each of these methods has individual characteristics of communication channels, which will be discussed below.
The advantages of transmitting information through radio channels include: versatility of use, ease of installation and configuration of such equipment. Typically, a radio transmitter is used to receive and transmit data wirelessly . It can be a modem for a computer or a Wi-Fi adapter.
The disadvantages of this method of transmission can be called unstable and relatively low speed, a large dependence on the presence of radio towers, as well as the high cost of use (mobile Internet is almost two times more expensive than "stationary").
The advantages of data transmission by cable are: reliability, ease of operation and maintenance. Information is transmitted through electric current. Relatively speaking, a current under a certain voltage moves from point A to point B. And later it is converted into information. The wires withstand the extremes of temperature, bending and mechanical stress. The disadvantages include unstable speed, as well as deterioration of the connection due to rain or thunder.
Perhaps the most advanced data transfer technology at the moment is the use of fiber optic cable. Millions of the smallest glass tubes are used in the design of communication channels of a network of communication channels. And the signal transmitted through them is a light pulse. Since the speed of light is several times higher than the speed of current, this technology has made it possible to speed up the Internet connection several hundred times.
The disadvantages include the fragility of fiber optic cables. Firstly, they cannot withstand mechanical damage: crashed tubes cannot pass a light signal through themselves, and sharp temperature changes lead to their cracking. Well, the increased radiation background makes the tubes cloudy - because of this, the signal may deteriorate. In addition, fiber optic cable is difficult to repair in the event of a break, so you have to completely change it.
The foregoing suggests that over time, communication channels and networks of communication channels are improved, which leads to an increase in the data transfer rate.
Average line throughput
From the foregoing, we can conclude that communication channels are different in their properties, which affect the speed of information transfer. As mentioned earlier, communication channels can be wired, wireless and based on the use of fiber optic cables. The latter type of data transmission network creation is most effective. And its average bandwidth of the communication channel is 100 Mbps.
What is a bit? How is bit rate measured?
Bit rate - an indicator of the measurement of connection speed. It is calculated in bits, the smallest units of information storage, for 1 second. It was inherent in communication channels in the era of the "early development" of the Internet: at that time, text files were mainly transmitted on the global web.
Now the basic unit of measurement is 1 byte. It, in turn, is equal to 8 bits. Novice users very often make a gross mistake: they confuse kilobits and kilobytes. Hence, bewilderment arises when a channel with a bandwidth of 512 kbit / s does not live up to expectations and produces a speed of only 64 KB / s. In order not to confuse, you need to remember that if bits are used to indicate speed, the recording will be done without abbreviations: bit / s, kbit / s, kbit / s or kbps.
Factors Affecting Internet Speed
As you know, the final speed of the Internet also depends on the bandwidth of the communication channel. Also, the speed of information transfer is affected by:
Radio waves, cables and fiber optic cables. The properties, advantages and disadvantages of these connection methods were discussed above.
The more the server is loaded, the slower it receives or transfers files and signals.
Most interference affects the connection created by radio waves. This is caused by cell phones, radios, and other radio receivers and transmitters.
- The status of network equipment.
Of course, the connection methods, the condition of the servers and the presence of interference play an important role in providing high-speed Internet. However, even if the above indicators are normal, and the Internet has a low speed, then the matter lies in the network equipment of the computer. Modern network cards are capable of supporting an Internet connection at a speed of up to 100 Mbps. Previously, cards could provide a maximum bandwidth of 30 and 50 Mbps, respectively.
How to increase the speed of the Internet?
As mentioned earlier, the bandwidth of a communication channel depends on many factors: the connection method, server uptime, the presence of noise and interference, as well as the status of network equipment. To increase the connection speed in the home, you can replace the network equipment with a more advanced one, as well as switch to another connection method (from radio waves to cable or fiber).
Finally
To summarize, it is worth saying that the bandwidth of the communication channel and the speed of the Internet are not the same thing. To calculate the first value, you must use the Shannon-Hartley law. According to him, noise can be reduced, as well as increase the signal strength by replacing the transmission channel with a wider one.
Increasing the speed of your Internet connection is also possible. But it is carried out by changing the provider, changing the connection method, improving network equipment, as well as fencing devices for transmitting and receiving information from sources that cause interference.