How your Internet Speed effects the speed of file uploads/downloads

[#1]

The speed of your file upload and or download many times relies on the speed of your current internet connection.  If you are experiencing a slow upload or download please run a line test on your connection by visiting: http://speedtest.yousendit.com  Here is a little more info about what the test will check and what you can do to ensure the best speed.

The YouSendIt Line Quality Test

The YouSendIt Line Quality Test helps determine how smooth you can transfer data (upload and download files) between your computer/network device and the YouSendIt network. The YouSendIt Line Quality test measures the following:

Download Speed: The download speed is the data transfer rate from our network to your computer/network device.

Upload Speed: The upload speed is the data transfer rate from your computer/network device to our network. You will want at least a 4Mbps upload rate to ensure a smooth upload transfer.

Latency: This test measures the amount of time between a computer/network device’s request for data, and the network’s response.

Jitter: Jitter is the variance in measuring successive ping tests. Zero jitter means each test yielded the exact same results. Anything above zero is the amount by which ping tests varied. Some jitter should be expected, - the smaller fraction it is in relation to the ping test, the better.

Packet Loss: Packet loss occurs when one or more packets of data traveling across a computer network fail to reach their destination. In general, you will want to see a packet loss measurement that is below 0.1% (1 lost packet in every 1000 packets). Anything higher may have noticeable impact on the quality of your network connection, and should be addressed with your internet service provider.

What to do to ensure the maximum speed

• First if you are on a wireless connection plug into a wired connection.  Depening on your wireless router and interferance this can cause slowness.
• Make sure to close out any other browsers or activity on your computer that might be taking bandwidth (i.e. download a movie from iTunes, downloading other files in another browser, streaming Pandora or any other music)  These actions will take up your internet bandwidth and cause a slowdown in your connection.
• Check if others on your network are also uploading or downloading large files.
• Reset Your Home Network. Sometimes restarting your network or your router will increase the speed of your connection.
• Call your Internet service provider (ISP).  If all else fails call your ISP and have them run a test on your connection, they will be able to see what your speeds should be which can indicate if it's a problem on their end or maybe hardware on your end like a modem or router.