Before committing to a broadband deal, individuals will do the mandatory searches and comparisons. When perusing, one would probably notice numerous types of broadband checkers on the Internet. Each of these types of checkers has a different and important function to perform. It is essential you understand these functions to determine when you should use them and how to use them.
The three types of broadband checkers to be used are the speed checker, the availability checker, and the deal checker. Often the two latter checkers will be combined, but one can find and work with them independently.
When should I use the broadband checker? Cheapest broadband or most expensive
The broadband checker is most commonly used when an individual is searching for the best or cheapest broadband connection package. This is done to examine the different types of broadband available in a certain area a task completed by the availability and deal checkers. The function of the speed checker is to determine the speed of the broadband. This checker can be used both when looking for a package and when the broadband has been purchased. In fact, the speed checker is more often used when one has already committed to a deal.
If you got the cheapest broadband you could find you maybe should expect a slow speed. Nonetheless, your speed test will help you understand the speed you are actually achieving.
Where can I find the broadband checker?
As is with most apparatus, the simplest way of finding a broadband checker is through the internet. Typing the phrase “broadband checker†into a search engine should provide one with a multitude of results, most irrelevant to your needs. To narrow the results it is best to be more specific in your search terms.
Googling is not the only method of finding a broadband checker. One will find that some websites will have the checker embedded on them. This service can most often be found on:
broadband comparison sites
broadband service provider sites
broadband trouble shooting sites
What problems could I experience?
One of the greatest difficulties one may experience is that of accuracy, or lack thereof. This problem is not exclusive to one type of checker but may be experienced with any of the broadband checkers. Another problem is that of the browsers or plug ins required to run effectively.
Speed checkers
The results of speed tests can be influenced by a variety of factors, and these checkers may show accuracy difficulties through the end results produced.
One factor, which may affect your checker, is the background programs connecting to the internet. Background programs are what download items, such as updates and peer-to-peer clients. Some websites can use a great deal of internet data, especially if streaming audio visual media. To get the best results it is recommended that one closes these programs and browsers before running a speed checker.
Availability checkers
Similar to the speed checkers, the lack of accuracy will be shown in the end results produced. For example, if a new service provider has entered one’s area they may not appear in the results. Furthermore, changes in connection details may be lacking. New connection types may not be present in the details, and old connections listed may not be available.
Deal checkers
With regards to deal checkers, inaccuracy can be shown through incorrect results. There is a possibility that this checker will not be connected to the internet correctly, and as such won’t show you relevant or available deals. This becomes a problem when individuals choose to click the link of a package which is no longer available.
What information do I need to provide?
For the broadband checker to complete the actual check one is required to provide it with some information. The information required will depend on the broadband checker being utilised. Speed checkers rarely require further information as they connect to your broadband connection via your laptop or desktop computer. However, if one is attempting to use a speed checker via a mobile broadband you may be required to relay your land line number.
Availability and deal checkers will most often require some information. The first item of information would be a postcode, and for the majority of checkers this should be sufficient. However, to increase the checkers efficiency and accuracy it may be necessary to provide a land line number. This is optional as results will be delivered on a postcode alone.
What results would I get from the speed checker?
Speed checkers measure the speed of our broadband. Upon reviewing the results of a speed checker you will find two numbers. However, to better understand how to manage the results one should understand the operation of the broadband checker.
There are two different ways in which a speed checker can operate. The first method of processing is via a “ping†to one’s local exchange. If the checker uses this method it will send out data using the broadband connection to the exchange and judge the length of time that data takes to return. The other is via downloading of data from one’s server. This method requires the checker to download a file from its server and measure the length of time this operation takes.
The numbers shown in the results is based on these different methods. The numbers themselves will be presented as an amount of megabytes per second. Arguably the download speed is more significant than the upload speed as this determines the speed of the internet connection. It is recommended this test is completed more than once to identify an average speed.
Generally the cheapest broadband will be slower, all other things being equal.
What results would I get from an availability checker?
An important fact to remember is that the information you receive from an availability checker will not indicate the best deals in the area. The results produced by an availability checker include a list of providers operating in the area and not the packages they offer. You may be informed of the type of connections being run in your specific location, such as ADSL or cable. Please note, the ADSL could be divided between LLU users.
What results would I get from a deal checker?
The results obtained from a deal checker will depend on the checker itself. The details of the checkers results vary from one to another. However, if the results shown are comprehensive one may see the following information:
the service providers name
the name of the deal offered
cost of the deal offered
any data limitations
possible incentives
contract length
Sam Jones was looking for the cheapest broadband when he was looking to change his provider. He found a great deal ion uSwitch.com but wanted to make sure the new service provider covered his area
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