What ISP would be best for me? (specifics inside)

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Zyrakk

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#181344 11-Oct-2015 22:22

Hello all,

I am currently using Spark as my internet provider with an ADSL connection. Recently I've been thinking that maybe there are better alternatives to what ISP I use to suit my personal needs. I've been trying to do some of my own research but haven't had much success in finding any definitive answers and thought maybe you guys could help.

Here is a list of things I care about. Keep in mind I'm quite ignorant on these matters and may include things in this list that may be unrelated to the ISP or that are just too specific, if that's the case I apologize in advance. Also if it matters all connections will be wired, not too fussed about wireless.

The list:

Most Important

Minimal lag for PC and Xbox gaming (connecting to servers located in both the US and AUS)
Good download speeds for downloading new games and updates (will probably be downloading things from the US?)
Good video streaming speeds (NZ Netflix and Youtube)
Speeds running well from 4pm-9pm weeknights

Less Important But Still Matter To Me

Upload speeds (Uploading to YouTube and possible streaming on Twitch)

Also as well as looking at the different ISP's I'm not sure whether I should go with ADSL or VDSL. Initially I thought that VDSL would out right be better but unless I'm reading it wrong this: https://truenet.nz/sites/default/files/xDSL%20Intl%20Aug_0_0.png found from here: https://truenet.nz/download-speed-august-2015 seems to show ADSL having better speeds.

One last question I have is will buying a better modem help at all for wired connections in anyway what-so-ever?

Thanks in advance everyone! Look forward to hearing from you :)

EDIT: Thought I would share my speedtest results in the chance they may be of some use

From the auto picked server: https://www.speedtest.net/result/4735973441.png

From Dallas in the US (thought I would test to the US as it may help): https://www.speedtest.net/result/4735980172.png

PeterReader

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#1404036 11-Oct-2015 22:22

Hello... Our robot found some keywords in your post, so here is an automated reply with some important things to note regarding broadband speeds.

If you are posting regarding DSL speeds please check that

- you have reset your modem and router

- your PC (or other PCs in your LAN) is not downloading large files when you are testing

- you are not being throttled by your ISP due to going over the monthly cap

- your tests are always done on an ethernet connection to the router - do not use wireless for testing

- you read this topic and follow the instructions there.

Make sure you provide information for other users to help you. If you have not already done it, please EDIT your post and add this now:

- Your ISP and plan

- Type of connection (ADSL, ADSL2, VDSL)

- Your modem DSL stats (do not worry about posting Speedtest, we need sync rate, attenuation and noise margin)

- Your general location (or street)

- If you are rural or urban

- If you know your connection is to an exchange, cabinet or conklin

- If your connection is to a ULL or wholesale service

- If you have done an isolation test as per the link above

Most of the problems with speed are likely to be related to internal wiring issues. Read this discussion to find out more about this. Your ISP is not intentionally slowing you down today (unless you are on a managed plan). Also if this is the school holidays it's likely you will notice slower than usual speed due to more users online.

A master splitter is required for VDSL2 and in most cases will improve speeds on DSL connections. Regular disconnections can be a monitored alarm or a set top box trying to connect. If there's an alarm connected to your line even if you don't have an alarm contract it may still try to connect so it's worth checking.

I recommend you read these two blog posts:

- Is your premises phone wiring impacting your broadband performance? (very technical)

- Are you receiving a substandard ULL ADSL2+ connection from your ISP?

I am the Geekzone Robot and I am here to help. I am from the Internet. I do not interact. Do not expect other replies from me.

These links are referral codes: Sharesies | Mighty Ape

Coil

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#1404049 11-Oct-2015 22:25

Minimal lag for PC and Xbox gaming (connecting to servers located in both the US and AUS)
Good download speeds for downloading new games and updates (will probably be downloading things from the US?)
Good video streaming speeds (NZ Netflix and Youtube)
Speeds running well from 4pm-9pm weeknights

The answer to every question is what the line is like at the house you live in.
Routing wise you will probably see no difference between all the largest telcos.
Bigpipe/Vodafone/Spark all have competitive rates.

Zyrakk

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1404052 11-Oct-2015 22:31

Thanks for your reply! Sorry for the potentially stupid question but is there any things I can do to improve my connection for those things I listed?

Also would upgrading to VDSL help?

michaelmurfy

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#1404054 11-Oct-2015 22:39

The following really depends on your distance from serving cabinet / exchange, your internal wiring and if you're using Ethernet. If you're using WiFi and are not wanting to invest into your home infrastructure it really won't matter what ISP you're with.

I am with 2degrees (well, Snap who got bought out) and they're very good. I have spent around $600 to ensure my home network is in the best possible shape to handle all the people in my house on Netflix, downloading, gaming etc all at once on my 200/200mbit UFB plan. I must say though, my setup is kinda overkill.

I have an Edgerouter Lite + Xclaim XI-3 wireless access point and a 16pt gigabit smart switch (TP-Link). My house is also wired up with Cat6e Ethernet to every room and we mostly use Ethernet for anything requiring bulk transfers or low latency however because of my wireless access point it really isn't the end of the world if somebody was to game or download over WiFi (hint, it is really really good).

We get under 10ms ping all over NZ and Australia is just shy of 35ms away. Most things in the states are around 130-180ms away however this is expected no matter what ISP you're with.

There is no right or wrong answer but my advice is don't pick an ISP whose price is at the bottom. Spark, 2degrees and BigPipe are really good picks if you're wanting a general, reliable ISP with good support. If you're using xDSL based technologies (ADSL, VDSL) go and get a Master Filter installed. If you get VDSL through 2degrees or Spark this will come as part of your install however with BigPipe you'll need to fork out $150-200 to get one installed. This in itself will make a world of difference to your broadband speeds and ensure a clean line from your cabinet / exchange.

If UFB is in your area then look into it. I can't go back to ADSL/VDSL/Cable since I have had the taste of UFB.

"Cheaper" providers such as Slingshot, Orcon etc I've noticed vary quite a bit on the Truenet graphs - some months they're fine, others they're not. To be honest I'd avoid them.

One ISP that I have seen gaining a little bit of love from the community here is Voyager based on a speed standpoint and also price and support. I would suggest checking them out.

Other than that just go out hunting.

Edit: To answer the above question if you can upgrade to VDSL then go for it! Having more upload speed means you can do quite a bit more on the internet before your upload becomes saturated grinding your connection to a halt.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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Zyrakk

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1404056 11-Oct-2015 22:51

Thanks for such an in depth answer! I will do some research into some of the equipment you mentioned running in your set-up. Thanks for the edit about the VDSL, when I settle on an ISP I'll go with h VDSL and get a master filter that you mentioned.

DarkShadow

1647 posts

Uber Geek

#1404066 11-Oct-2015 23:29

2degrees doesn't do free master filter from what I understand. But of course get VDSL if you can get VDSL. It doesn't cost that much and will give much more upload speeds. You have checked fibre availability?

NonprayingMantis

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#1404068 12-Oct-2015 00:16

Bear in mind the master filter is only useful if you don't already have one - have you checked whether you do or not?

Michaelmuprhy - FYI 2degrees/snap no longer include master filter as standard on vdsl.

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michaelmurfy

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#1404081 12-Oct-2015 07:07

Michaelmuprhy - FYI 2degrees/snap no longer include master filter as standard on vdsl.

OK that is pretty bad. ALL providers should be offering master filter installations by default with the exception of the specialized ones like BigPipe.

graemeh

2078 posts

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#1404195 12-Oct-2015 11:03

Mynxnet advertise as being popular among serious gamers.

I was on a fibre connection with them until recently and was very happy with the service. I moved to Bigpipe because it was cheaper.

I am not a gamer, if I was I might have stayed with Mynxnet.

Aredwood

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#1405333 14-Oct-2015 01:28

How important is low ping rates? As VDSL (depending on how good your line is) Can have as much as 16 ping each way. So in some cases ADSL is better, simply for lower ping. Despite the speeds being slower. Post your current sync rates (as the robot asked) And definitely agree get a master filter installed.

richms

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#1405336 14-Oct-2015 01:36

+1 on not just going VDSL if you value latency and dont have to share the connection with non gamers. A friend went on it and was stuck on the 16ms profiles with a 3-4 meg upstream.

ISP were dicks about going back to ADSL with no interleaving because of the contract. Got resolved in the end since they had promised it would be faster but didnt specify how it was faster, so they just said that the latency was slower than before and if they didnt go back to ADSL then it would be off to the TDR. ISP I will not name then backed down and allowed return to ADSL with signifigantly better pings than VDSL gave on the lousy chorus copper.

Richard rich.ms

Zyrakk

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1408357 17-Oct-2015 19:12

Ping rates are very important to me, but I do have to share the connection with 2 non gamers. What would be the most beneficial, ADSL or VDSL?

EDIT: Will post sync rates when I get home.

Jase2985

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#1408497 18-Oct-2015 08:14

you need to work out where your cabinet is, how far away it is, what kind of stat you are currently getting. this will help give you a better understanding of what you could hope to get on VDSL.

mdf

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#1408542 18-Oct-2015 11:08

TimA:

The answer to every question is what the line is like at the house you live in.
Routing wise you will probably see no difference between all the largest telcos.
Bigpipe/Vodafone/Spark all have competitive rates.

Time for a sticky post/update to Peter Reader to include something to this effect?

richms

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#1408570 18-Oct-2015 13:38

Zyrakk: Ping rates are very important to me, but I do have to share the connection with 2 non gamers. What would be the most beneficial, ADSL or VDSL?

EDIT: Will post sync rates when I get home.

Best is not to share the connection. If this is unavoidable then the qos you apply is very important. I would also get vdsl if it has to be shared even if you get unlucky and stay on an 8ms profile the upstream won't be as contested which will help.

Richard rich.ms