The High Speed Internet Bandwagon

So I have received the highspeed CSU/DSU (the equivalent of Modem, or modulator/demodulator, for the cable connection from starhub. It really harks back the time when I have experienced the Docsis 1.0 CSU/DSU from SCV (now Starhub) for the trial. The quantum leap from 55k Modem to Cable is really mind blowing (when square floppy disc was in the rage then, you can imagine how young I am). So would the jump from an 'ok' speed to 'high' speed be that significant?

Was thinking how to plan the test as I have an internet connection being shared amongst the family members wirelessly without them being inconvenienced but still have a good test.

So the test period for 2 weekends is actually not that helpful for one who is working full time since the only time where most people are not at home is during the working hours.

The wireless router is another issue. WRT54G is rated at 54mbps at the best data throughput rate. Wireless being wireless, there will be issues with regards to transmission strength with our thick HDB walls and doors being the usual suspects halting the connection from laptop to router.

Router as it is known is a smart switch. But no matter how smart it is, it has to route and that will include some latency time, no matter how small or fast it is.

Hence wireless out, router out and direct connection is in. But would the splitter affect the test as well? Gosh. there are just many unknowns and I do not want to lay wires throughout the house.

Therefore I opt for this test sequence instead.

Using my netbook as the standard machine to access the internet, I would make a direct connection with the same UTP cable from Netbook to the 2 CSU/DSU(C/D) but these two C/D will share the same connection using a splitter. To make sure full access to the co-ax is enabled, the untested C/D will be switched off.

The timing would be fixed also: 10am-11am (non peak period) and 10pm-11pm (peak period)

The tests will be in the done side by side, each time switching on/off the UTP connection on the netbook itself.

When connection is switched on, the following will be done.

a) Local video streaming sites from CNA, Asiaone, STOMP, razor.tv, OMY. Will time each download by pressing play and see when the download bar has become full.
b) Do a speedtest via www.speedtest.net to both local and international test servers.
c) Play my game, COD instead of Maplestory using my desktop. The reason is that Maplestory is not 3D intensive and although it is Massive Multiplayer Online game, the throughput rate is more significant for full 3D game effect in a multiplayer setting where connection speed lies between being killed or being alive.

Check in when the test is completed by the end of this weekend.