Our test determines the time it takes to download a large file to your computer and reports the resulting bandwidth in kilobits per second (kbps). A number of factors may affect bandwidth, so you may have to retest several times to get the most accurate results.
However, in general, if your Upload and Download Speed is roughly 85% of the rated connection speed for your modem or device, you're receiving acceptable throughput. If you're sharing a connection, you must take that into account. For instance, be aware of other bandwidth-intensive applications that may be being used on the network by other computers (or gaming consoles, Blu-Ray players, smart phones or tablets, etc) such as streaming movie and radio sites, game playing, and even viruses.
The typical rated speeds are as follows:
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Dial-up modem:
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14.4 kbps to 52 kbps, depending on your modem and your distance from the Central Office.
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DSL or Fiber:
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512 kbps to 50 mbps (50000 kbps), depending on your plan and your distance from the Central Office.
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T1:
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1.544 kbps (1544 kbps) for a point-to-point dedicated line.
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