Webware forum: Can Measure Up/Download Speeds of an Online Database?

{I've used the Clarification Request to respond. If I had used the "Answer" option, any further replies would be severely limited, a maximum of 3 posts}

I'm just guessing here, but I suspect this is one of the drawbacks to cloud computing. The data transfer between your computer and the server, and back, should be very quick, subject to your own internet speed and broadband traffic.

But then, when the server receives your data, it might have to transfer that to some dedicated unit that holds the database application, which then has to call up your profile information, (the database you are using), input the changes, calculate the results, then send that data back to the server to be sent back to your computer. Add to that mix any sharing, (if the unit that holds the database is in constant use, you may be added to a queue), then all of these extra steps will increase the load time.

Like I say, just guessing, but you could try a test. If you signed up, (personally on a home computer perhaps), to Google Docs, created some large document, or even better a spreadsheet, and then re-accessed Google Docs to make changes. How long would the changes take to be returned to your browser?

Admittedly it is not a very scientific test, but it may give you some idea of how cloud computing works in another environment.

But let's see what others say.

Mark

Thanks Mark. Your response with the details of how data uploads/downloads are handled made it more clear that taking as much time as this online database does shouldn't be a surprise.

I've been thinking that, if there wasn't much of a time lag in going to/from regular international web sites (e.g., Google, CNET, a banking site, etc.), the time lag shouldn't be so great with the cloud-computing database site.

However, I see now from your explanation that the handling of incoming/outgoing data from a database site is probably different and more complex. I think I may try Google Docs later to see what the difference is like.

Thanks much.

I downloaded HTTPFox 0.8.9 and tried it out. It looks like
it will do exactly what I need it to do. I can see it has a timer that runs
continuously, but I'm not sure I understand all the codes the program uses.



For example, it has: "started - time - sent - received" as
values and they are almost self-explanatory, but is that noting data
sent/received? If it is, the timer even runs when the program/mouse is sitting
still. So I'm not so sure how to use the information the program gives me.
Also, is the time reported in seconds or
milliseconds?



Also, across the top of the information table, the program uses
the terms "Method" with replies "Get" and "Post". Not sure about those yet,
either. I wonder if there is an online training course for this little number?
It looks to be a good one.



Thanks very much for the point in the right direction. I'll
keep working to figure out how best to use this FireFox add-on.