Internet speed

Internet speed

The performance of an Internet connection, which is based on the number of bytes per second that data travels from the user's device to the Internet (upload) and from the Internet (download). Depending on the type of connection, the speed differs dramatically. The download rate is higher than the upload, because a short request to the website (upload) results in a much larger download of Web pages, images and videos.

Pricing
Internet access via cable, DSL, FiOS and satellite is priced on maximum download/upload speeds. Pricing from a cellular carrier is based on bytes of data transfer in both directions (see carrier data plans), and the download speed can vary significantly depending on current location and activity.

Speed Tests from SPEEDTEST.NET
The top results were the Mac's Internet speeds measured from the SpeedTest website, and the rest came from the SpeedTest Android app. The Mac is wired to the Wi-Fi router, and the router is wired to the Internet via cable modem (see wireless router). Ping is the round trip time to transmit a packet and receive a response. Notice that the website reports Mbps, while the app shows Kbps.

Eight Miles Away
Cellular speeds can vary dramatically with the same carrier. The tests in the previous image were made in a rural location, while this one was taken in a small town.