Download speed vs. connection speed... - Honda Forum / Acura Forum

Honda_Guy · 01-25-2003, 10:12 AM

Alright, why is a dailup connection speed so much higher than the actual data transfer speed (like when downloading)? I mean, I have a 56k modem, a 50k connection speed, and 3.5k downloads. Whats up with that? Its bugged me ever since we got the internet. I think it saw it explained once before a long time ago, but I it didnt stick in my memory. I remember about line quality and distance from the ISP server or something to that effect, but not much else.

alphanumericgt2 · 01-25-2003, 12:52 PM

the line quality and distance from the isp server, as you stated, do make a difference with how much you're download and connection speeds are. the better the line quality, the higher the numbers; however, the FEC regulates connection speeds to 53k. also, your d/l speeds won't reach anywhere near 56k, 5 - 7k is usually about right, and optimal. you may experience lower d/l speeds, usually around 3 -5k. cable and dsl don't really ever reach their caps for d/l speeds. if you are receiving about 90% of your caps, your connection is pretty much as good as it gets. d/l and connection speed differ, and d/l speed won't be anywhere near your connection speed...i.e. 50k.

cryogen97 · 01-25-2003, 08:35 PM

56kbit connection, 3.5kbyte d/l. plus you have overhead of uploading and of course line quality.

alphanumericgt2 · 01-26-2003, 01:33 AM

hehe, completely forgot the whole bit/byte thing. i usually just assume that the difference is known and that difference lies between d/l and connection speed.

Honda_Guy · 01-26-2003, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by alphanumericgt2
the better the line quality, the higher the numbers; however, the FEC regulates connection speeds to 53k.

I remember hearing/reading that the 53k ceiling is there to limit the amount of power going through the phone lines and thats where DSL comes in, but why? Is it that the phone system equipment couldnt handle it or something? And wasnt it the FCC? Whats the FEC?

Anyway, thanks everyone. Now I go back to downloading my 716mb Inuyasha movie at 4.3kb/s...

alphanumericgt2 · 01-26-2003, 11:44 AM

yeah its the FCC, just typing too fast; typo.'

edit: FEC is the Federal Election Commission.

HBacura · 01-26-2003, 05:06 PM

I've posted why such low download speeds when using dialup on here before, I can't remember what the topic was. If I had more time on my hands I would re-post it or just type it back up again. But, when dealing with 56k your conversion is dealing with kilo baud, not bits to bytes.