Best ISP for Low latency and best reliability

alt_guy · 21-02-2011, 20:42

Hi all,

I'm currently in a bit of a predicament with my internet connectivity. I need to run a 128k audio stream 24/7 and it's critical that my connection is subject to low latency and very little to no packet loss - as any changes to these can cause the stream to skip and buffer all over the place.

Unfortunately I'm having this problem with VM at the moment (50mb customer on the stand alone modem). Pings have been all over the place and packet loss is frequent (every 10 mins on average).

The speed of the connection is fine - I have no issues with that, 50mb most of the time....but I would happily sacrifice the speed for a stable connection that could support a 128k data stream with little or no interruption.

Does anyone have experience of achieving what I'm trying to do? and what would you say is the best ISP for this sort of requirement?

Thanks in advance,

qasdfdsaq · 21-02-2011, 21:40

I would say Be is the best for this kind of stuff, or any kind of stuff outside of pure download speed.

VM is high on download speed average to poor on everything else, and have particularly bad jitter.

Be on the other hand have the highest average upload of the major ADSL providers and the lowest latency and jitter, packet loss is fairly low too (but to be honest, no ISPs are hugely off on a national average).

alt_guy · 21-02-2011, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by qasdfdsaq

I would say Be is the best for this kind of stuff, or any kind of stuff outside of pure download speed.

VM is high on download speed average to poor on everything else, and have particularly bad jitter.

Be on the other hand have the highest average upload of the major ADSL providers and the lowest latency and jitter, packet loss is fairly low too (but to be honest, no ISPs are hugely off on a national average).

Thanks for the response.

I've read alot of good stuff regarding BE recently, I will have to investigate it.

I've heard they do a free BT line install on one of their packages too? Would be handy for me seeing as we no longer have any live BT presence here.

alt_guy · 27-02-2011, 19:33

Well I took the plunge and ordered a BE* package the other day. All accepted and it'll be installed next month.

I'll run it alongside Virgin for a month or so, but the intention is that when Be is all settled in and all is ok - Virgin will be out of the window.

My line will only support a max of around 10-12mb on ADSL2 (line is around 2.5-3km), so I'll be taking a speed cut of around 40meg - but I'll happily sacrifice speed for a support team that supports you and a connection that is reliable.