Network Speeds
Network speeds pertain to how fast networked computers can communicate and share information with each other. It is how fast a file can be transferred from one networked computer to another. With a wired network, the local area connection can be up to 100 Mbps because data is transferred directly through a wired (CAT5) cable.
Wireless standard speeds, such as 11 Mbps or 54 Mbps, refer to the speeds possible within your local area network. They do not pertain to your Internet connection or download speeds. Those speeds are determined only by the Internet service provider (ISP). Cable modem and DSL customers will receive bandwidth speeds that are much lower, depending on upstream or downstream download speeds. Check with your local ISP for more information.
With a wireless network, data is sent via radio waves, so speeds can be affected by interference or obstructions like walls and large objects. The wireless router will auto-sense signal strength and, if it gets weak, will automatically lower transmission rate down from 11 Mbps to 5.5 Mbps to 2 Mbps; even down to only 1 Mbps. The following tips will help you to get the best performance from your wireless network:
- Place the wireless router in a central location of your house, such as a family room or office.
- Place the router in a high location: on a shelf or in an upstairs room.
- Arrange the desktop or laptop's wireless card antenna so that it points toward the wireless router.
- Avoid placing the antenna close to an outside wall (unless outside is where you want to be). Also, if you want to connect while you're outside, place the wireless router near a window.
- Install another access point.
Networking products are typically rated by megabits per second (Mbps), which is different from megabytes per second (MBps). The conversion is: 1 MBps = 8 Mbps. Music and pictures are usually around 3 - 5 megabytes (MB) per file, depending on the quality.