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When a consumer selects an internet service provider (ISP) and high speed internet access option – cable, DSL, or satellite – one of the factors that they frequently consider is the connection speed. For most connections, bandwidth speed is different for downloading information, which is the transfer of data from the internet to the user’s computer, and for uploading information, which is the transfer of data from the user’s computer to the internet.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the measure of the capabilities of the internet connection. When ISPs advertise connection speeds, they are talking about bandwidth or the potential connection speed. However, very few connections are actually as fast advertised, due to network latency.
Latency
Latency is the delay that happens when data, voice, or video is transferred either upstream (from the user to the internet) or downstream (from the internet to the user’s computer) and it needs to be processed by the network. Typically, latency is measured in terms of milliseconds and, in the best circumstances, not noticed by the user.
Measuring Bandwidth - The Speed Test
Measuring bandwidth – the speed of the user’s upload and download connections is important to assessing the health of an internet connection. A significantly-slower-than-expected connection could be an issue with the firewall or router; an overly aggressive virus protection setting; a problem with cables; or a problem with a DSL line.
Internet users should regularly check their bandwidth speed as part of maintaining the health of their computer.