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All internet connections, broadband included, are measured at two rates: the downstream speed, which is the rate that information travels from the internet to the user’s computer and the upstream speed, which is the rate that user-generated information travels from the user’s computer to the internet. Test your internet speed.
Most high speed internet connections place an emphasis on downstream speed, with the reasoning that many users are more interested in and require fast downloads of websites, graphics, streaming video, and audio. However, as developers continue to create numerous applications that allow for user-generated content, upstream (or uploading) speed is of increasing concern.
Internet applications that require a high upstream speed include:
- Uploading files, whether an attachment to an email, digital photographs to a photo sharing and hosting site, or user-created videos.
- Live video connections or video conferencing also requires high speed upstream internet access, if the user wants the viewer to see a good quality transmission without jerky movements and broken audio.
- Internet-based gaming applications need to have a high speed upstream connection to prevent lag-time and sharp, jolting motions in contrast to smooth, seamless play.
- Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – using an internet connection as a telephone – is another internet application that requires a high rate of upstream speed.
Although tradition has placed emphasis on downstream speed when talking about high speed or broadband internet connections, there is increasing need for faster upstream connections and that need will continue to grow as web developers continue to create applications that call for user-generated content.