How to Fix Your Upstream Bandwidth

When uploading files to Internet servers or using certain applications such as peer-to-peer programs, you might experience low upload speeds due to problems with your upstream bandwidth. The upstream bandwidth is the total amount of data your Internet connection can send from your computer to Internet servers in one second. The higher your upstream bandwidth, the faster you can upload files from your computer. You can fix a low upstream bandwidth by following a few recommendations.

Instructions

1. Shut down any application that uses part of your upstream bandwidth before attempting to upload files. Such applications include peer-to-peer services, certain video games or webcam chat programs. You can see a list of all running applications on your computer by looking at the icons in the tray notification area of your taskbar.

2. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and ask them to test your Internet connection. Hardware issues such as problems with your modem or your wiring can negatively affect your upstream bandwidth.

3. Upgrade your Internet connection or use a different technology. Certain Internet connection technologies, such as ADSL, impose strong limitations on the upstream bandwidth. On the other hand, cable Internet usually offers higher upload speeds. Contact your ISP and other ISPs operating in your hand and compare their different Internet connection packages.

References

• Utah State University: Storage and Bandwidth
• "Stanford University"; Bandwidth: Usage, Limitations, Implications; Rishi Natarajan