Understanding Your Speed Test Results

Typical Home User Dowload Ranges: 0 - 56kbps: Dial-up 56 - 128kbps: ISDN (Not Common) 384 - 768kbps: Entry Level Cable/DSL 768 - 1.5mbps: Basic Cable/DSL 1.5 - 3mbps: Mid Level Cable/DSL 3 - 6mbps: High Level DSL - Mid-High Level Cable 6 - 15mbsp: High Level Cable

Typical Home User Upload Ranges: Up to 56kbps: Dial-up Up to 128kbps: Entry Level Cable/DSL Up to 384kbps: Basic Cable/DSL Up to 512kbps: Mid Level DSL Up to 768kbps: High Level DSL Up to 2mbps: Mid to High Level Cable

Depending on the Internet Service Provider you have and the package for which you signed up, your bandwidth speed test will vary. For Cable & DSL users, your service contract should specify the speed range you should be connecting. If you find that you are connecting at the low portion of your range, your provider may be experiencing heavier than normal usage or may be experiencing technical difficulties. If you find that you are connecting in a lower range than your contract specifies, call your internet provider's customer service department.

The speed test on this site performs two tests: a download test and an upload test. The download test measures the speed at which you can download information to your local computer. This includes displaying a webpage and all the associated graphics as well as downloading music or movie files. The upload test measures the speed at which you can upload information from your computer to the website you are accessing. This generally would be uploading a document or file into your online course.

Note: While most web-based products will support any connection speed, most suggest a broadband connection (384kbps or higher) for a pleasant experience. Blackboard has suggested that Vista Power Users should connect at 300kbps or higher as well.