What Affects the Speed of the Internet?

Internet speed varies.

The speed of the Internet is more important to people than ever. The Internet was once a system that was a luxury and entertainment to people---now, many people depend on the Internet for their personal lives, business lives and communication. Knowing what affects Internet speeds is important to ensure that your Internet connection is running efficiently.

Type of Connection

The most important determining factor for Internet speed is the type of Internet connection you have. You can purchase Internet service at different levels of speeds, depending upon what the provider offers. Normally speeds range from 1.5 megabytes per second to 6 megabytes per second, which are the download and upload times that it takes the Internet to send and receive information.

Time of Day

For many types of Internet, such as those that are connected through phone lines or coaxial cables, the time of day can be a factor. Modem-based Internet and DSL are both shared network systems---meaning that if many people within your neighborhood are using the Internet, it can slow down your Internet connection due to clogged bandwidth, which is responsible for data transmission.

Computer Memory

Even if you purchase a higher speed of Internet service, you can only utilize these higher speeds if your computer has the capabilities. One major speed factor within the computer is the amount of memory---or RAM---that it has. RAM is responsible for temporarily storing a computer's instructions. Lack of RAM means that a computer must store instructions on the hard drive, which takes longer to execute.

Processor Speed

The processor speed---or the speed at which your computer executes and transfers instructions---is the other aspect that defines the speed of the computer, as well as its Internet connection. If you have a high Internet speed, but don't have a high enough processor speed, the computer won't be able to execute instructions fast, resulting in a slower speed of Internet interaction.

Virus

Another possible threat that can slow down Internet speed is a virus. If you don't have a good virus protector installed, then viruses can infect your computer, which can cause a tremendous decrease in the speed at which all operations are performed, including the Internet connection.

References

• Time Warner Cable: What Affects Speed?
• Pure Networks: Network Magic - Test Internet Speed Feature
• Speed Up Now: Understanding Internet Speeds