Think Broadband

No hidden extras, no surprises

Broadband is a typical term for high speed internet access, generally covering technologies such as ADSL, SDSL & Cable.  With Broadband from Switchnet Systems, everything you need to get started is included.  Broadband is a fast, always-on internet connection, which removes the need for users to "dial-up", meaning that the possibility of experiencing connectivity problems is dramatically reduced.

How Does it Work?

ADSL utilises your normal copper wire telephone line, but because it transfers data using a different frequency than that used for telephone calls, you can use the same line for ADSL & Telephone.

How Fast is it?

Because our Broadband offering is available using lower contention ratios than other major Internet Service Providers, it's more reliable and quite often has a faster "feel" to the experience - simply because there are less users using the exchange.  With speeds of 512K, 1Mb and 2Mb our service is many times faster than the traditional 56K modem dial up or even an ISDN connection.

Contention?

Regardless of the Service Provider you choose, broadband services are subject to "contention", meaning that the network bandwidth available is shared between a number of subscribers at the local telephone exchange.  The ratio to which the available bandwidth is shared between users is called the "contention ratio".  All UK providers (BT Included) are subject to the same contention ratios at the exchange.  Services that are targeted to home users are often cheaper than their business counterparts, but they have a higher contention ration - generally 50:1, which means that the available network capacity is shared between more users.

Business services generally have a lower ratio (20:1), therefore these services offer a more consistent level of performance.  Generally, a 50:1 contention ratio, means that the available capacity is shared between up to 50 other subscribers, whilst a 20:1 ratio indicates that the available capacity may be shared by no more than 20 subscribers.

Bottom line, it is important to note this and choose your broadband service package accordingly as making the wrong choice could lead to performance and reliability problems later on.  If you require any advice in selecting the appropriate broadband service package, please contact your Switchnet Systems representitive.

Which service is right for me?

Switchnet Systems offer a variety of packages for business users offering a range of download speeds of up to 8Mbps ADSL.  The broadband service can be installed and activated on an existing BT analogue line, and there's just one fixed monthly fee for the service.  You will, of course be able to carry on using the analogue line for normal telephone calls.

If you have a high upload bandwidth requirement (i.e. for running business applications, VPN's, Voice over IP) we strongly recommend choosing SDSL, Bonded Broadband, ADSL2+ or a Fixed Line product.

Please note: Not everyone can get ADSL broadband, and some users will be limited to a 512K service because of the length between their phone line and the telephone exchange.  If the broadband checker returns a marginal result, or you have any questions about the result please contact your representitive.

Why choose Switchnet Systems?

By partnering with providers that offer the greatest level of service and support Switchnet Systems can offer broadband services that are reliable, and consistent at all times.  It is extremely important that the provider you choose keeps their own internal bandwidth to user ratio at an optimum level, otherwise the provider could actually slow your service down once it crosses their network, regardless of the contention ratio at the local telephone exchange.

We are aware that several well-known Service Providers have oversold their bandwidth to offer cheaper services, resulting in download speeds as low as 16Kbps.  In effect their users may have saved up to £2 per month for speeds little more than a quarter of the speed of a 56K dial-up service.

By using the KeConnect broadband network, Switchnet Systems subscribers have experienced download speeds on our standard 20:1 contention of as much as 630Kbps.

You can compare KeConnect to other broadband provders and see how they rate against the common ISPs.  They consistently beat others for connection speed, reliability and customer service; so much so that we are confident that you will be satisfied that the partnership of Switchnet Systems and KeConnect are the best choice there is.

Ordering Broadband

Ordering broadband is simple, first thing we'll do is check that your phone line can actually support broadband, then we'll walk you through the options available, all online