ISP speeds VS actual speeds.

theasian100

theasian100

New Member
Hi, im not good at all nor am i really knowledgeable about internet terminology.
My question is: why is it that my ISP says i get 864kbps but when i try to download something (legal stuff) i get a maximum of about 99kbps?
Thanks :D
 
Your ISP measures speed in bits (kb), you're downloading in bytes (KB, kB). 8 bits in a byte means you're getting the correct speed.
 
g25racer said:
^^ Yup people always get these confused and think they are getting ripped off. LOL
Click to expand...

yeah lol, inst it because the ISPs state the speed in Bits to make it look faster?... also, if you watch Internet adverts on TV, i dont ever remeber them stating speeds as "Megabits"... lol..
 
I doubt they measure speed in kilobits, I am sure it is kilobytes. In fact most of them measure it in megabits. here are some things you need to consider:

1) There is always packet loss, no matter what

2) Your bandwidth is total, shared amongst every computer on your network

3) There is over head from data traveling to switches, routers, and servers

4) Bandwidth is also throttled at times for control issues. During peak hours of usage if the network is getting too hammered they throttle it down a bit for stability.

5) Weather is also a factor, especially if your data cables are exposed and above ground for your ISP.
 
tlarkin said:
I doubt they measure speed in kilobits, I am sure it is kilobytes. In fact most of them measure it in megabits. here are some things you need to consider:

1) There is always packet loss, no matter what

2) Your bandwidth is total, shared amongst every computer on your network

3) There is over head from data traveling to switches, routers, and servers

4) Bandwidth is also throttled at times for control issues. During peak hours of usage if the network is getting too hammered they throttle it down a bit for stability.

5) Weather is also a factor, especially if your data cables are exposed and above ground for your ISP.
Click to expand...
ISP's never measure their speed in bytes, always bits - whether it be kilobits or megabits.

To the OP, your rated speed of 864Kbps should yield a download speed of 108KBps at the maximum, so achieving 99KBps is perfectly normal.
 
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