Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
Some of these increases are substantial. Given that with the cable technology that doesn't see speeds reduce based on distance from exchange, it's likely that the majority of users will get quite close to these new levels. On that basis we could be at a point where the customer's own hardware starts to become the limiting factor for connectivity and data transfer, rather than their internet connection. For example those with "g" standard wireless in their laptops will max out below the 60Mb speed. Many computers, and indeed network switches and routers only offer 10/100 wired speeds which would equal that 100Mb speed. I think the message is that we need to future proof any new IT purchases we may be making for home, or business, to be able to take advantage of expected future improvements in our networks.
To me the real attrraction of these connection speeds is we are closer to making real use of cloud services avoiding a twiddling of thumbs whilst we wait for our data to arrive whilst we also make use of "pay as you go" type online software giving a home user access to good current apps rather than reliant on outdated software that they can't afford to upgrade.
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We're already at the limitations of a lot of consumer equipment. Despite Wireless "G" equipment being rated for 54Mbps, it's highly unlikely that anyone using it will get anywhere near it. Even if you're right next to your router, you're extremely lucky to hit 45Mbps. Move to another room and that'll drop below 30Meg. It's a problem with the technology, but also that most people's equipment is just poor. Wireless-N is even worse in terms of advertised speeds vs real speeds. I've seen so many Wireless-N users sitting at around 72Mbit that it's not even funny. Same reasons - the equipment in use is often a cheap model that does the bare minimum to hit that Wireless-N standard. Go ahead and look at most laptops on sale now - they're all wireless-N, but they'll only use 1x1 antennae, instead of the (much better) 3x3 arrangement, or even 1x3 that you need to hit the 300Mbit that Wireless-N is rated.