In today's digital age, we all need decent internet speed. The NBN has transformed Australia's internet infrastructure, which most of our clients run.
Factors Affecting Internet Speed
Now, your internet speed depends on several factors, some of which you may be able to control:
Type of NBN Connection
Different plans offer varying speeds.
Number of Users
More users in your area can slow down your connection.
Time of day
Different times of the day have different speeds. I noticed my speed dips at about 7 p.m., while I get heaps at night. Test your internet speed at different times, such as in the morning, lunchtime, and afternoon, as peak usage times can significantly impact your speed.
Copper
Today, much of the copper infrastructure in Australia's internet network has been replaced with fibre, but we still have to make progress.
Business Internet Speed Requirements
Today, SMB businesses should aim for internet speeds of at least 25/5 Mbps, preferably 40 Mbps
Case Study: Troubleshooting Internet Issues
We once had a client who complained about slow internet speeds. Upon investigation, our engineer discovered corroded internet wiring, which caused the problem. Once the wiring was replaced, the issue was resolved.
Testing Your Internet Speed
You must test your internet speed regularly to ensure your business runs at its best. A free speed check tool is available here that can give you an accurate reading of your current speeds.
For a download, 25 Mbps should be a min, and 40 Mbps would be better. Upload 5 Mbps if you do video conferencing, e.g. Zoom 10 Mbps would be the min.
For latency, 50 ms is for general use; if you do any video conferencing, 20 ms is the min.
Download/Upload latency should be at least 50 ms.
Troubleshooting Checklist
If you're experiencing slow speeds:
Check wiring
As stated above, most user problems are caused by cables. A big issue here is the fluro lamps in the shop. Move the wires away from them.
Restart Devices
Restarting your devices can sometimes resolve issues.
Contact your Internet Provider
If issues persist, contact your internet service provider for assistance.
FAQs
Q: How often should I test my internet speed?
A: Once in place, you should notice any slowdown. I recommend testing every three months, ideally at different times of the day.
Q: What is a decent internet speed for an SMB business in Australia?
A: I would say as a min 40Mbs down, 10 Mbs up
Q: What is latency?
A: Latency is the time it takes for information to travel from. your computer to your ISP. A low latency of under 20 ms, is crucial for video conferencing.
