Others
- What is the difference between MaxOnline access plans via cable modem and my regular dial-up modem?
MaxOnline works through cable modems that are connected to the StarHub broadband network which is a hybrid-fibre-coaxial network. Dial-up modems work through phone lines for connectivity to the Internet.
Also, while dial-up modems have a maximum speed of 56Kbps, DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 1.1 cable modems are capable of broadband speeds of up to 100,000Kbps and 32,000Kbps respectively.
- How fast is Internet access via the cable modem?
We have sized the network to reach download speeds of up to 100,000Kbps for DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems and up to 32,000Kbps for DOCSIS 1.1 cable modems. However, due to the nature of Internet applications and software, the actual speed varies to a large extent, depending on factors such as the time of day, traffic to the web site and local demand.
When Internet traffic is higher, for example, during occasional periods in the evenings and weekends, speeds may be lower. Some of the delays incurred when trying to access sites outside our network can be addressed through the use of caching servers. These store web sites so that once someone on our network has visited the site, the next person can download it straight from the caching server, thus greatly improve speed.
- Since the cable modem runs on shared bandwidth, does it mean that the speed will slow down when more people log on during peak hours?
The cable modem does run on shared bandwidth. However, bandwidth is always shared at some point. With dial-up modems, you share the ISP's bandwidth with other users to the Internet. For cable modem, the sharing happens closer to home, but because the overall speed is so much greater, there should generally not be a problem with speed.
Tell me more about shared vs dedicated bandwidth.
- Will the specific MaxOnline connection be assigned to each customer, or will it be shared among the users in the same local area?
The maximum download speed will be of the respective plans you have signed up and is the limit assigned to individual modems. Customers share much greater bandwidth over their local area, ie. when accessing local web sites. Like all internet access, some overbooking may occur, ie. if everyone attempts to download at maximum rate at the same time, the performance deteriorates.
- Will subscribing to a second cable modem service lead to slower speed for everyone in the neighbourhood sharing the network?
No, this is because StarHub's broadband network is based on an advanced hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) design which has the advantage of scalability. Many big operators like AT&T Broadband are upgrading parts of their network to the one that StarHub had built in Singapore. Each network node serves a fixed number of homes and this can be scaled up when the subscriber base grows within the same neighbourhood. StarHub closely monitors and increases the bandwidth provisioning in step with the growth of our customer base.
- What affects the download speeds of the cable modem?
As with any network, actual downstream speed when using the StarHub cable modem will vary. There are many factors independent of the cable modem that affect the data transfer speed. These include:
- overall network traffic
- your computer's performance and configuration
- accessing non-cached or cached data
- location and configuration of the accessed server
- performance characteristics of each component of the data network
- the number of users and their compliance with the terms of usage
Slow connection speeds may be due to:
- The web server speed. ie. how fast we can receive data depends on how fast the web server can send them out.
- The speed of the link connecting the web server to the Internet.
- Uncertain internet traffic all over the world.
- Congestion on Singapore's link to the Internet.
- Will my credit card information be at risk or be disclosed during the online transaction?
The credit card gateway used by StarHub is secured and is governed by local laws. There will be no risks or disclosure of information.
- Are there any precautions I can take to prevent personal information from being hacked from my PC?
There are temporary files stored in your computer called cache files and history, which retains information and data. Users are encouraged to clear their browser’s cache and history after each session so any account information is removed.
