Internet Speed & Performance
Computer users may find it confusing when their Internet slows down. The causes behind an Internet slowdown may not be obvious at first. Internet speed and performance are determined by a variety of factors including bandwidth, service speed and usage.
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Bandwidth
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Bandwidth is the amount of data transferred over an Internet network. Cable modems use high-bandwidth fiber optic cables, while telephone modems use slower telephone wires. DSL modems also utilize telephone wires but are faster because the signal travels on a high-speed frequency.
Service Speed
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Internet providers offer a variety of services at different speeds for consumers. Internet service speeds are measured by using kilobits per second (kbps) and megabits per second (mbps). For example, an Internet package advertised at 1.4 mbps is twice as fast as one with 700 kbps.
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Usage
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People who use cable modems will find that their Internet performance is slower than advertised. When many cable Internet users are online at the same time, their collective speeds decrease. The reason is that the cable Internet provider's server can only handle certain amounts of data before having to cut users' Internet speeds. This factor does not affect ADSL, DSL and telephone modem users.
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References
- Photo Credit Four White Plug In Telephone Jacks Going to High Speed Modem image by Chuck Alexander from Fotolia.com
