Requirements
The requirements we ask our volunteers to meet are as follows:
You have a fixed line broadband Internet connection to your residence.
You use a standalone device to connect to your broadband service - i.e not a USB ADSL modem.
You have a stable broadband connection (i.e. it doesn't disconnect frequently). Note that this is just referring to the connection - not the speed.
You are not a heavy downloader. Our tests can only run when your line is below a certain traffic threshold, therefore we would not be able to run any tests if your line is in constant use.
You have a spare power socket near your existing router (or wherever you plan to connect the unit. Keep in mind that a network cable must run between the unit and your router though! We supply a 1m cable).
You need to be on one of the ISPs that we're measuring.
You are not an employee or a family member of an employee of one of the ISPs being monitored.
In addition to the above we ask that volunteers agree to a set of terms and conditions that are broadly summarised by the points below:
I agree:
- Not to unplug the unit or your ISP's router unless I'm away for an extended period of time.
- Not attempt to reverse engineer or alter the unit.
- To notify Samknows if and when I choose to change ISPs.
- To return the unit to Samknows should I no longer wish to be involved (Samknows to pay reasonable postage costs).
- To connect the unit in the way described in the documentation.
- To keep Samknows updated with valid contact details (i.e. email and postal address).