Bandwidth speed is how quickly data moves from one place to another. In more practical terms, it's the rate at which your computer is able to download files or load pages when using the Internet.

Businesses need a fast bandwidth speed in order to quickly get the data that they need. They may need this for downloading software programs or look up information on Web sites. Worker productivity can be hampered by a low bandwidth speed. For beginners, it's easy to find information about what bandwidth speed is and how to make the best use of it.

Factors that affect bandwidth speed are:

1. Distance. A business' distance from their Internet provider will play a role in bandwidth speed. Businesses that are closer to the provider will have faster speeds because data doesn't have to travel as far.

2. Number of computers. If you have several computers that are networked together, they all share a certain amount of bandwidth. If one user is taking up a lot of bandwidth, other users will notice slower connections.

3. PC configuration. Make sure that your IT staff properly optimizes all computers. Older computers may be slower than newer ones.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand what bandwidth speed is and how it affects computer performance

Making optimal use of your computers and the Internet starts with a basic understanding of bandwidth speed. For beginners, it's important to find descriptions that are not overly technical.

I recommend: FindMyHosting.com offers a fairly simple explanation of what bandwidth, using easy to understand examples. CoolNerds.com uses simple diagrams to illustrate the meaning.

Research the bandwidth speed of different types of connections

There are many ways to connect to the Internet and some will give you a faster bandwidth speed than others. Some examples of connections include wireless, DSL, cable and T1.

I recommend: BroadBand Nation discusses the pros and cons of different types of wireless Internet connections. MSN discusses the history of bandwidth and different types.

Test your bandwidth speed for a greater understanding of your system

If your looking to improve the speed of your computer, you'll want to know where you're starting from. Certain websites can test your bandwidth speed to give you an idea.

I recommend: SpeedTest.net allows you to test your uploading and downloading speeds with servers located around the world. You can then compare your rates with others. CNET also offers a bandwidth speed test.

Take steps to improve your bandwidth speed

Since certain PC configurations affect your bandwidth speed, it makes sense to learn what you can do to your computer to help improve its speed.

I recommend: Microsoft lists five things that you can do to improve the speed of your computer. YouTube has a video that discusses bandwidth speed and how to determine if you can purchase a better Internet connection to boost your speed.

Bandwidth Speed is the measure of how fast you can access different areas of the Internet and how fast you can send and receive information on the Internet. There are a few basic ways to connect to the Internet such as dial-up, Digital Line Subscriber or DSL, and cable. The price you pay is determined in large part by the speed your ISP says they provide to you. In order to remain competitive, it is imperative to have a fast connection, such as DSL or cable, so you deliver information to your customers fast.

How do you test to make sure your cable or DSL company is providing the bandwidth you pay for? There are free sites on the Internet providing bandwidth speed tests. They are easy to use; just click on "test" and within a few seconds your bandwidth speed list results appear on the screen. Look at the following to find Bandwidth Speed and make corrections:

1. Look for bandwidth speed information to see how fast your connection really is.

2. Improve broadband speed by performing simple tests on your computer.

3. Check providers of fast connection speeds for alternatives to your existing connection.

Action Steps
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Test the speed of your connection with a free bandwidth speed provider

Check your bandwidth speed by testing your connection at a free site. Take into account the time of day, since at peak times your connection will not be as fast, due to more traffic on the Internet. If there is not a good reason for the low numbers, take action to increase your speed.

I recommend: Bandwidth provides a free test to measure your upload and download speeds. Speak Easy offers a free test to measure your connection speeds. Choose the city closest to yours and click on it for immediate results.

Increase your fast connection speed by performing simple tests

Bandwidth speed may be slowed because some of the basic programs on your computer are not operating correctly. Your employees may install unnecessary software programs that can disrupt your speed or the issue can be within the operating system. Basic tests can show you where your issues are and advise how to improve speed.

I recommend: DSL Reports provides tests and tweaks to get the maximum from your computer with your current broadband connection. Perform their tests and adjust your computer accordingly. Wugnet offers a free evaluation of their tool before you buy. Use this program to evaluate and fix issues with your computer that are slowing down your speed.

Purchase a faster connection to increase bandwidth speed

If you have no issues with your programs and operating system but your bandwidth speed is still too slow, consider bumping up your service to the next level. Many ISPs offer a business plan with various levels and speeds. Ask your company if they have a faster plan or check other companies that offer higher speeds.

I recommend: Verizon offers many business packages and is available nationwide. Check for availability and then select the best plan for your business. AT&T offers several plans for businesses with various bandwidth speeds. Choose the one that is right for your business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you adjust your computer based on bandwidth speed testing, make sure you know how to reverse the adjustment in case it causes another program to malfunction. Consult a professional if you are not comfortable tampering with your control panel.

Bandwidth is the amount of traffic or data transfer that takes place over a network connection. Usually, when speaking of bandwidth speed, that network is the Internet service provider, which may be using a digital service line (DSL line) or cable modem technology. A provider may quote you a speed, but your actual speed may vary because of a number of factors.

Making sense of how to compute bandwidth speed is easier when you know the meaning of some of the key terms involved. You may also notice the speed differs when downloading data compared to uploading. The number of users accessing the connection at the same time may also affect the speeds for certain types of technology.

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Bit rate

Bit rate measures the amount of data that passes through a broadband connection. You'll see it measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

I recommend: Read a definition of bit rate at 100 Best Web Hosting.

Broadband

Broadband generally means a data connection that's faster than a standard dial-up modem. Technologies that achieve these speeds are DSL and cable modem technology. The term broadband may refer to several different technologies, but they may not all transmit data at the same speed.

I recommend: Check out DSL-Experts.com for a definition of broadband and other related terms.

Throughput

Throughput measures the actual amount of data that the user receives over the connection. Some of the data is just signal noise and doesn't count in the measurement of throughput.

I recommend: To find the definition of throughput and other broadband-related terms in a glossary, visit Ask-Wi.com.

Bandwidth cap

Many Internet service providers do not provide unlimited use of their connection to their users, but effectively cap the total monthly amount of bandwidth each user can use. The maximum amount before you incur extra charges is the bandwidth cap.

I recommend: Browse through a broadband glossary that includes the definition of broadband cap by visiting Web Offer Marketing.

Latency

Networks don't all work at the same speeds. Some are faster than others, and the amount of time data takes to go from one device to another in a network, known as latency, is another measure of the speed.

I recommend: The Broadband Glossary provides a definition of latency.

Backbone

The backbone of a network is the main trunk line where the data flows. Connections can branch off on lesser data lines from the main one. The speed of the network depends on all of the paths that data travels over, not just the main backbone.

I recommend: At CSGNetwork.com, read the meaning of a network backbone and other network and broadband-related terms.

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.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

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.

I recommend: 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.

I recommend: 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.

I recommend: 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.