ci connect | Issue 2
Business broadband with go faster stripes
The new DSL Max and DSL Max Premium high-speed broadband access products are specifically designed for companies who need faster upload and download speeds. But just what does all the jargon mean?
What is DSL Max?
DSL Max is a set of high-speed broadband access products. Two products are currently available: DSL Max and DSL Max Premium, which give companies faster upload and download speeds for the same price as a standard ADSL line.
What is the difference between the Max and Max Premium services?
The Max Premium product has a potentially higher upload rate (800k instead of 400k). Also customer traffic for Max Premium will get priority over Max customers when the BT network is busy.
What does DSL Max do that my existing broadband doesn’t?
DSL Max determines the highest possible reliable transfer rate automatically. Transfer rates of up to 8Mbps for downloads and 800kbps for uploads can be achieved with a single ADSL line, vastly improving the time taken to transfer data via the Internet.
What is the Line rate?
Line rate is also called synchronisation (sync) speed. It is a measure of the speed at which your ADSL modem or router communicates with the BT exchange - that is the downstream data rate achieved from the local telephone exchange to the user. DSL Max offers as high a line rate as the line will reliably support.
How can I maximise my line rate?
To prevent problems and to maximise your line rate make sure you have short, good quality lines, minimise electrical interference and use high quality filters. It is essential to make sure your ADSL hardware, wiring and filters are set up correctly.
Throughput speed
This is the maximum speed data will transfer across the connection and this will always be slightly slower than the line rate. Throughput speeds will fluctuate due to line contention.
Dynamic Line Management (DLM)
DLM is the automated BT systems which logs information about the performance of your line. The data collected about disconnections and reconnections are used to establish what speeds are likely to be most stable for your particular line. If you frequently restart your router or modem DLM may interpret this as a problem and may subsequently reduce the line rate. A prime function of DLM is to keep the line as stable as it can.
People say DSL Max is ‘rate adaptive’, what is this?
The line rate that DSL Max customers achieve may not be the fastest theoretical speed but it will be the fastest reliable speed up to 8Mbps. The line is checked frequently and the data transfer speeds are changed according to conditions on the line. This ‘Rate adaption’ occurs every time broadband is started or whenever external conditions change significantly. Customers may notice changes in line rates, which is normal - modems and routers will usually reset automatically to new line rates.
Why does DSL MAX need a 10 day settling down period?
In the first 10 days the line will be automatically checked to establish its maximum stable rate. Loss of synchronisation, instability and changes in line speed may be observed in this period as BT adapts the line parameters to find the maximum stable rate. During this period frequent connections to the Internet should be made to allow tests to be carried out.
For more information please call Jacqui Nicholls or Glyn Miles on 01865 856000 or send an e-mail to info@community.net.uk