Interested in knowing how fast your Internet is?  Learn how to test the speed, and how to determine which speed you actually need.  In just two clicks, take GTB’s Internet speed test and learn the pros and cons of six different types of Internet service.  Here’s how to get started:

1. Conduct a speed test with two easy clicks

If you are currently a GTB customer and want to know how fast your Internet is, go to GTB’s Diagnostics page and click on the Speed Test Link.  If you are not a GTB customer, you can still use our Diagnostic tool to determine your Internet speed, but results may differ from your own provider’s test.

2. Consider the different types of Internet service and their pros and cons

   1. T1 – GTB provides dedicated T1 service.  Although a T1 is limited by speed, it is still one of the most commonly used digital transmission services in the U.S.  Originally the circuit was provided over copper, but newer technology now allows for the circuit to be provisioned over fiber optics and wireless.  Like EFM (below), T1’s are a lower cost option, but unlike EFM, its quality is not hindered by distance.  The cost of T1’s, however, are affected by how far your business is from the carrier’s central office.
   2. EFM – Like the T1 service, EFM (Ethernet in the First Mile) is a lower cost option, but offers higher, dedicated speeds.  It can be transmitted over copper or fiber, but is limited by distance.  The farther you are from the carrier’s central office, the lower the quality and the slower the speed.   
   3. Coax – Coax is faster than T1 and EFM and runs over high-capacity cable.  It’s most commonly used for audio, video and data applications.  Because the service is run over a shared circuit, speeds are not guaranteed.  The availability of Coax depends on the building’s location and infrastructure. 
   4. Shared Fiber – Shared Fiber is about the same speed and cost as the Coax service.  Because it’s shared, it’s less expensive than a dedicated Fiber line, but, again, speeds cannot be guaranteed.  Like Coax and Dedicated Fiber (below), availability depends on the building’s location and infrastructure. 
   5. Dedicated Fiber – Dedicated Fiber is the most reliable and fastest of all six types because your business has its own dedicated line and runs on fiber optic technology.  As with Coax and Shared Fiber, availability depends on the building’s location and infrastructure.  This is usually the highest cost option, but provides the best quality.
   6. Wireless – GTB also offers a dedicated wireless connection.  This option provides location flexibility, but is least reliable because the quality of service depends on the Line of Sight (i.e. how open the antennas are between the customer location and the carriers Internet Point of Presence (POP)).

3. See what service is available in your building

If your business needs higher Internet speed, let GTB help you determine what options are available in your building.  We can do this at no cost to you. 

How GTB can help

As a one of Maryland’s few local high speed Internet providers, our services are designed to support multiple users with a single connection.  Unlike some cable services, GTB Internet connections are unshared. Using email, file transfers, and web browsing functions are faster and more efficient.  Since data is provided over our privately managed network, all connections are also monitored 24/7.  Learn more. 

Get your free assessment

Click here or call us at 1 (877) CALL-GTB for your free assessment to find out what type of Internet is available in your building that will also meet your needs and budget.

Also read: Best High Speed Internet – How to shop for what you actually need, The Ultimate Guide to Selecting a Business Phone System, How to Prepare for Power Outages in the Winter Months, Who’s Talking to Your Customers?, and A Mobile App that Can Save you Thousands.