Speedtest - 4 Very Simple Questions

[Briggsy]

I just used the speedtest linked to TV.

I got the following results.

Download Speed 2051 kbps (256 KB/sec transfer rate)

Upload Speed 364 kbps (45 KB/sec transfer rate)

Questions

1 Why are there 2 rates or speeds for each function? The transfer rate seems to be one-eigth of the quoted speed.

2. Does this rate fluctuate during the day? Is this due to the amount of usage? I say this as I live in an apartment and most people are online in the evening. It's much faster in the morning.

3. The upload speed looks pretty bad. Is this why I can usually never be heard when I use Skype? I can hear them though.

4. If the answer to 3 is "Yes", then what speed do I need to be looking at to use Skype?

[Prasert]

I just used the speedtest linked to TV.

I got the following results.

Download Speed 2051 kbps (256 KB/sec transfer rate)

Upload Speed 364 kbps (45 KB/sec transfer rate)

Questions

1 Why are there 2 rates or speeds for each function? The transfer rate seems to be one-eigth of the quoted speed.

2. Does this rate fluctuate during the day? Is this due to the amount of usage? I say this as I live in an apartment and most people are online in the evening. It's much faster in the morning.

3. The upload speed looks pretty bad. Is this why I can usually never be heard when I use Skype? I can hear them though.

4. If the answer to 3 is "Yes", then what speed do I need to be looking at to use Skype?

According to your quote you have a 2Mbps (downstream) link, which is absolutely extraordinary perfect if your're in Thailand.

Also the uplink speed is not bad at all.

Answer to Q1: traffic goes 2 ways, download and upload.

Answer to Q2: Yes

Answer to Q3: Skype will work fine with just 64kbps up- and down-speed

[geoffphuket]

I wish I had results like that in 'Cyber Paradise Phuket'.......

Last Result:

Download Speed: 210 kbps (26.3 KB/sec transfer rate)

Upload Speed: 38 kbps (4.8 KB/sec transfer rate)

1) Kbps/8 = KB/sec

2) yes

3) More than enough for Skype - with webcam

4) n/a

geoffphuket

[calibanjr.]

I just used the speedtest linked to TV.

I got the following results.

Download Speed 2051 kbps (256 KB/sec transfer rate)

Upload Speed 364 kbps (45 KB/sec transfer rate)

Questions

1 Why are there 2 rates or speeds for each function? The transfer rate seems to be one-eigth of the quoted speed.

2. Does this rate fluctuate during the day? Is this due to the amount of usage? I say this as I live in an apartment and most people are online in the evening. It's much faster in the morning.

3. The upload speed looks pretty bad. Is this why I can usually never be heard when I use Skype? I can hear them though.

4. If the answer to 3 is "Yes", then what speed do I need to be looking at to use Skype?

According to your quote you have a 2Mbps (downstream) link, which is absolutely extraordinary perfect if your're in Thailand.

Also the uplink speed is not bad at all.

Answer to Q1: traffic goes 2 ways, download and upload.

Answer to Q2: Yes

Answer to Q3: Skype will work fine with just 64kbps up- and down-speed

I think Q1 was about bits v. bytes MBps is megabytes per sec, Mbps is megabits per sec. 8 bits to a byte, no biggie.

I think your speeds are fine for Skype, as far as I know. Check it against a US server, if that's where you're calling. I think TV's check is against Singapore or elsewhere in Asia.

[geoffphuket]

I wish I had results like that in 'Cyber Paradise Phuket'.......

Last Result:

Download Speed: 210 kbps (26.3 KB/sec transfer rate)

Upload Speed: 38 kbps (4.8 KB/sec transfer rate)

1) Kbps/8 = KB/sec

2) yes

3) More than enough for Skype - with webcam

4) n/a

geoffphuket

Sorry duplicate post...my internet connection went down

[sniffdog]

I guess you have a 2.5/512 package from True? Then these figures are within the range. Nothing to complain about ...

Now go to http://www.speedtest.net and do the same test with Amsterdam, Chicago and Los Angeles. Then you have a much better idea how your international rates are ...

[Briggsy]

Thanks for all your comments. Thanks calibanjr. for explaining the difference between a bit and a byte. I never knew! Thanks sniffdog for your link. I tested it to the UK (Maidenhead) because that's the country I call to. The results were (in bits) - Download Speed 974 kbps and Upload Speed 246 kbps. These are pretty good according to geoffphuket (thanks).

I guess my Skype problem has another cause.