- Lid geworden
- 5 dec 2022
- Berichten
- 366
Usenet backbone
What is a usenet backbone?
The standard level of usenet is called 'the usenet backbone'. Due to the nature of the protocol, it is composed of servers that are privately owned and servers that are managed by third parties. Depending on the backbone you choose, you'll have access to different retention rates, account options, and newsgroups.
Which usenet backbone should you choose?
If you use usenet, you need a provider. There are many providers to choose from. Each provider offers you different benefits. However, there is one important thing to consider; which usenet backbone would you prefer to use?
Tier-1 usenet provider
A tier-1 usenet provider is a provider that has direct access to a usenet backbone, either through ownership of the server network or as part of a larger company that has that access. As a result of this direct access, tier-1 providers usually offer better transfer speeds and more reliable connections.
Non-tier-1 usenet provider
On the other hand, non-tier-1 providers are resellers who contract with a company to access the backbone. Their speed or data are often limited compared to tier-1 providers. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. In some cases you may not need all the benefits offered by a tier-1 usenet provider and you can save money by using a reseller.
Why use a backbone?
As we mentioned above, different backbones provide different functions. Although there is considerable overlap between them, not every backbone contains the same data.
As a tier-1 provider, for example, we own our servers and have many aspects under our own control. When you sign up for usenet services with us, we store data for almost 13 years. We are increasing this by one day every day to prevent data from being deleted unnecessarily. However, in the rare cases where we have to remove an item for some reason, it may still be accessible on a different backbone.
This may be one reason why you want to have multiple accounts on different usenet backbones. For example, you can select a primary provider and also choose a cheaper block account on a different backbone to find missing items at the primary provider.
Choosing the right backbone
When choosing a usenet provider you have to consider a number of things. The backbone on which the provider operates is particularly important.
Some factors to consider:
retention
With a high retention rate, the chances of completing downloads are higher. Low retention rates, even from tier-1 providers, may indicate lower quality hardware or cost-cutting measures.
account types
Basically there are two types of usenet accounts: unlimited and block accounts.
With unlimited accounts you have access for a certain period of time and you can download unlimited. For example, you can use these types of accounts as a primary account.
With block accounts you get a fixed amount of data to download for a fixed price. This can be useful for making backups, for example.
Location of the server
Most usenet providers have servers in the US and the EU. If you choose a provider with servers close to your own location, you will generally have a stronger and faster connection. For this reason, it is a good idea to take out a primary usenet subscription with a provider whose servers are located in your area. You can then purchase a secondary subscription from a provider further away.
Looking at the availability of different items, it may also be relevant to have a primary account in the US or EU and a block account in the others. Depending on local law, an item may be available in one jurisdiction and not another, even when using the same backbone.
Which usenet backbone is right for me?
After considering all these factors, you can make an informed decision about which usenet backbone to choose and which provider will give you the best access to that backbone.
Usenet is unique in that you can find all kinds of information, even if it seems lost. It all starts with choosing the right usenet backbone.
What is a usenet backbone?
The standard level of usenet is called 'the usenet backbone'. Due to the nature of the protocol, it is composed of servers that are privately owned and servers that are managed by third parties. Depending on the backbone you choose, you'll have access to different retention rates, account options, and newsgroups.
Which usenet backbone should you choose?
If you use usenet, you need a provider. There are many providers to choose from. Each provider offers you different benefits. However, there is one important thing to consider; which usenet backbone would you prefer to use?
Tier-1 usenet provider
A tier-1 usenet provider is a provider that has direct access to a usenet backbone, either through ownership of the server network or as part of a larger company that has that access. As a result of this direct access, tier-1 providers usually offer better transfer speeds and more reliable connections.
Non-tier-1 usenet provider
On the other hand, non-tier-1 providers are resellers who contract with a company to access the backbone. Their speed or data are often limited compared to tier-1 providers. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. In some cases you may not need all the benefits offered by a tier-1 usenet provider and you can save money by using a reseller.
Why use a backbone?
As we mentioned above, different backbones provide different functions. Although there is considerable overlap between them, not every backbone contains the same data.
As a tier-1 provider, for example, we own our servers and have many aspects under our own control. When you sign up for usenet services with us, we store data for almost 13 years. We are increasing this by one day every day to prevent data from being deleted unnecessarily. However, in the rare cases where we have to remove an item for some reason, it may still be accessible on a different backbone.
This may be one reason why you want to have multiple accounts on different usenet backbones. For example, you can select a primary provider and also choose a cheaper block account on a different backbone to find missing items at the primary provider.
Choosing the right backbone
When choosing a usenet provider you have to consider a number of things. The backbone on which the provider operates is particularly important.
Some factors to consider:
retention
With a high retention rate, the chances of completing downloads are higher. Low retention rates, even from tier-1 providers, may indicate lower quality hardware or cost-cutting measures.
account types
Basically there are two types of usenet accounts: unlimited and block accounts.
With unlimited accounts you have access for a certain period of time and you can download unlimited. For example, you can use these types of accounts as a primary account.
With block accounts you get a fixed amount of data to download for a fixed price. This can be useful for making backups, for example.
Location of the server
Most usenet providers have servers in the US and the EU. If you choose a provider with servers close to your own location, you will generally have a stronger and faster connection. For this reason, it is a good idea to take out a primary usenet subscription with a provider whose servers are located in your area. You can then purchase a secondary subscription from a provider further away.
Looking at the availability of different items, it may also be relevant to have a primary account in the US or EU and a block account in the others. Depending on local law, an item may be available in one jurisdiction and not another, even when using the same backbone.
Which usenet backbone is right for me?
After considering all these factors, you can make an informed decision about which usenet backbone to choose and which provider will give you the best access to that backbone.
Usenet is unique in that you can find all kinds of information, even if it seems lost. It all starts with choosing the right usenet backbone.
