Internet Connection Speed :: Broadband Internet Connection

For most of us, our internet connection speed cannot be fast enough. But what is internet connection speed really? Basically, your internet connection speed is the amount of time it takes your computer to download a certain amount of data. These speeds vary from dial-up equivalents to broadband equivalents.

Broadband internet speeds are generally much faster than dial-up internet connections. There are basically four factors that cause connection speed to vary.

Internet speed varies greatly depending upon the type of connection you have. The connecting speed is generally measured in Kbps (kilobits per second, or thousands of bits per second). Standard dial-up connections can run at speeds up to 56Kbps. With current technology, however, broadband connection speeds can even be measured in Mbps (megabits per second), or millions of bits per second.

Standard broadband connections can run at speeds up to 1.5Mbps. This creates a huge variation in online speed depending on whether your computer is connected to the internet using dial-up or a form of broadband connection like DSL or by a cable modem.

When Your Computer Slows Down So Does Your Internet Connection

The second most important factor of connection speed variation is the computer being used. The online connection can only go as fast as the computer will work. Anything that slows your computer down will also slow down your internet connection, so keep your computer tuned for a speedy internet connection.

The last two items that affect your speed are uncontrollable by you. The first of which is the round trip time from your computer to the site you are viewing and back. This means that if there is a slow down outside of your home on the Internet, it can affect your internet connection speed.

There can be issues at any location between your computer and the site that you are trying to access. These variances can only be controlled by the internet service providers ISP in charge of the location of the problem. The only option you have is to try different sites or try the same site at a later time.

The final factor in your connection speed is the response time of the site you are viewing. Even if you are able to contact the site quickly, the computer hosting the site may not respond as quickly as you would hope. You may access a site and then wait for 30-40 seconds and suddenly the entire site opens up. This is usually a sign that the site was simply slow to respond.

Each and every one of these factors can cause your connection to appear sluggish at times and lightning fast at other times. Don’t judge the speed of your internet connection on one slow website or one quick loading page. The only way to truly gauge your online access speed is testing and keeping your computer tuned up.