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Afrihost has recently launched their first 10Mbps uncapped ADSL service for under R1,000. This is how it stacks up against its competitors.
10Mbps uncapped ADSL for under R1,000
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ADSL jargon: What you should know
| Hilton Tarrant | May 14, 2010 | No comments |
Hilton Tarrant
Hilton Tarrant is production editor at Moneyweb. He also project manages new website launches for the company and covers ICT issues, chiefly through his weekly...
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Shaping? Contention? Self-install? Don't be confused by the complicated technical terms that are part and parcel of buying broadband
In the words of Lewis Carroll, then, “let’s begin at the beginning”…
ADSL
The abbreviation for asymmetric digital subscriber line. It’s sometimes commonly referred to as “DSL” or digital subscriber line. The technology allows for data to be transmitted over conventional copper phone lines at a faster rate than a dialup/voice modem. To do so, it uses frequencies that are not used by a voice call. A splitter (micro-filter) allows users a single telephone connection to be used for an ADSL service as well as voice calls at the same time.
Self-install
“Self-install” is the most popular way of provisioning ADSL. This means you do not have to wait for a Telkom technician to come to your house (this could take weeks), and you save the R543 installation fee. Self-install is a simple process. You order ADSL online, at a Telkom Direct shop, or by calling 10219. Telkom then informs you that you may proceed with the self-installation. You collect your modem at a Telkom store, or have it delivered. Then, it’s as simple as connecting the micro-filter to your phone line, connect the cable labelled “line” to the box on your wall and the other end to your ADSL modem. You will then need to verify your DSL connection, and should be up and running within 30 minutes.
Router/modem
A router or modem will allow your computer to transmit data over a standard telephone line. ADSL routers are slightly larger than the old dial-up modems and generally allow for at least four connections (via Ethernet local area network cables). Some routers also offer wireless connectivity, so you’re able to connect to it wirelessly in your home.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is simply the data transfer rate: the amount of data that can be carried from one point to another in a given time (usually in one second). Telkom offers ADSL in three speed options: (up to) 384Kbps (kilobits per second), (up to) 512Kbps or (up to) 4 096Kbps (also known as a “4 meg” line, ie, 4 megabits per second). It is also trialling faster ADSL, with speeds of up to 10Mbps reported. Telkom helpfully points out that the “speed indicators are line synchronisation speeds which are dependent on the distance from the exchange and other factors”.
Shaped
Shaping refers to the moderation of data on your broadband connection. In other words, certain content is given priority over others. Websites, for example, will be given priority over e-mail being downloaded. If a shaping policy like this is in place, explains MWEB, if you are downloading your e-mail, and surfing the web, you will get to the web page first before your e-mails have completed downloading. Shaping is used to prevent abusers of the service from destroying the experience for others. Traffic using protocols such as proprietary video chat or peer-to-peer file downloads will be “de-prioritised”.
Unshaped
An unshaped service has no prioritisation of any traffic. It simply operates on a “first come, first served” basis regardless of which protocol is used.
Contention ratio
A contention ratio is how Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are able to deal with a large amount of users on limited bandwidth. It’s described as a measurement of the number of other subscribers you are “contending” with for your share of ADSL bandwidth leading to your local exchange. “For example, the contention ratio as published by Telkom is 20:1, this means that you would share your bandwidth with no more than 20 subscribers on the Telkom Network.”
All-inclusive
To use ADSL you need an ISP for data and Telkom for the rental of an ADSL line. Normally you’ll pay Telkom and your ISP separately, but many ISPs offer an “all-inclusive” option where you pay a single fee to them. The ISPs are basically “reselling” ADSL connections, and this works out cheaper than paying each separately. However, you will still have to pay for your analogue telephone line rental.
WIMAX
Telkom has confused matters by offering Wimax as an “ADSL replacement” in areas where it does not have copper infrastructure, or where cable theft is rampant.
Wimax is a high-speed wireless access technology, and Telkom offers fixed wireless broadband, which means you are not able to be mobile in the same way you would be with a 3G USB modem. The Telkom offering is an (up to) 512Kbps product, similar to the equivalent ADSL connection.
ADSL jargon << discussion
* Hilton Tarrant contributes to “Broadband”, a column on Moneyweb covering the ICT sector in South Africa. If you’re confused by any other terminology, ask your questions in the comments and he’ll do his best to explain it all.
