What Is the Difference Between Upload & Download Speeds?

Upload and download speed are terms used when talking about how fast information can be sent or received from your computer to and from others on your local network and to and from users on the Internet.

Download Speed

Download speed is defined as the rate (in bytes, kilobytes or megabytes) at which your computer is able to receive data from a medium, such as the Internet or another computer on your local network. Download speeds vary greatly depending on the type of connection you are using, whether it be dial-up, cable, DSL or another connection method.

Upload Speed

Upload speed is the rate at which your computer can send data to other computers on your own local network or to users on the Internet. In order to maximize your computer's upload speed, a user that is receiving data from you must have an equal or greater download speed.

Fun Fact

Download and upload speeds vary greatly depending on your Internet provider and the type of Internet connection you are using. Upload speed is often limited by your Internet provider and is often much slower than your download speed.

References

• Online Conferencing Systems: Upload and Download Speed Tests
• PC Pit Stop: About Bandwidth