Solved Mbps - Megabits or Megabytes?

hcour

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I need to downgrade my internet connection to the lowest TWC offers. The TWC cs said my new speed will be 2 mbps. Does this mean megabits per second or megabytes per second?

Thanks.
 

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That's Megabits per second. 2 is pretty slow, but for basic surfing would be ok.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
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    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
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    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
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    15/2 cable modem
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    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
The convention is lower case 'b' for bits and upper case 'B' for Bytes. 2 mbps isn't the end of the world. What may make the difference is the upload speed. If they are stingy with the uplink it slows down everything while the server is waiting for you to tell it what you want. A broadband speed test will show what the upload speed is.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
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    Built in
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    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
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Thanks for the info, guys.

I built a new desktop last summer- i5 quad-core, 4 gb ram, 1 gb vid card, 124 gb ssd, Win 8 64-bit. I downgraded the bandwidth yesterday (from 20 mbps to 2 mbps, $52 a month cheaper) and I swear I don't notice a difference with page loads. They remain pretty much instantaneous. Downloads, of course, take considerably longer but that's not a problem.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG
Some browsers have a turbo mode where the data is compressed on the server before being sent over the network. Even the old 56K dial-up page loads weren't all that bad with server side compression.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Thanks for the info, guys.

I built a new desktop last summer- i5 quad-core, 4 gb ram, 1 gb vid card, 124 gb ssd, Win 8 64-bit. I downgraded the bandwidth yesterday (from 20 mbps to 2 mbps, $52 a month cheaper) and I swear I don't notice a difference with page loads. They remain pretty much instantaneous. Downloads, of course, take considerably longer but that's not a problem.

That's why I said for basic surfing it would be just fine.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Thanks for the info, guys.

I built a new desktop last summer- i5 quad-core, 4 gb ram, 1 gb vid card, 124 gb ssd, Win 8 64-bit. I downgraded the bandwidth yesterday (from 20 mbps to 2 mbps, $52 a month cheaper) and I swear I don't notice a difference with page loads. They remain pretty much instantaneous. Downloads, of course, take considerably longer but that's not a problem.

Hi there.

First You can't retrieve data FASTER than the remote server can deliver it whatever your actual Internet speed is.

Now after that piece of information I'm amazed that you seem to be paying a LOT for a VERY SLOW service -- is it that expensive in the USA. I'd look for cheaper services -- there must be -- or possibly a better solution is to use a 4G mobile phone service and use that as an internet access point if you have unlimited data. It's MUCH FASTER and setting up an Access point is simple.

Where you will notice the poor performance is if you say want to stream services like Netflix or download stuff -- it could take hours to download (legally I hope) an HD movie instead of several minutes - and if you are using a service like HULA TV / SKY GO / NETFLIX you'll constantly see a re-buffering notice while trying to watch the movie. Even playing Video from Youtube / web sites will be slowish too.

These days a 2mps service is almost "Dinosaur Mode". If you have other users too in the same house on this connection you will really suffer and don't even THINK of "In Play" sports betting or Stock trading with that slow service.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Nothing can arrive before it starts of course. Speed between computer and provider is just a maximum speed possible and is dictated by ISP. You could have incredible speeds there but very lo download speeds from somewhere else. Now even download from a fast server can slow down somewhere in the middle. It has to go thru who knows how many nodes to get to you.
In console type
tracert www.(whatever site you want to check)
or
ping that site.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD
If you want to get an idea of real world download speed, once you are set up with your new settings, sign up for a free trial on Giganews. Use something like Newsbin binary news reader. Again a free trial/ Then you'll have an idea if you can live with the download speed. I think Comcast was around 4 mbps back in 2002. So 2 mbps does sound awfully slow. If you can't get a good deal from cable there may be a line of sight wireless provider in your area for internet.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD
Now after that piece of information I'm amazed that you seem to be paying a LOT for a VERY SLOW service -- is it that expensive in the USA. I'd look for cheaper services -- there must be -- or possibly a better solution is to use a 4G mobile phone service and use that as an internet access point if you have unlimited data. It's MUCH FASTER and setting up an Access point is simple.
I pay around $50-60 a month for my service, which is 15/2. It's hard to say exactly what it costs, as it's a bundle with TV and my phone service.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Now after that piece of information I'm amazed that you seem to be paying a LOT for a VERY SLOW service -- is it that expensive in the USA. I'd look for cheaper services -- there must be -- or possibly a better solution is to use a 4G mobile phone service and use that as an internet access point if you have unlimited data. It's MUCH FASTER and setting up an Access point is simple.
I pay around $50-60 a month for my service, which is 15/2. It's hard to say exactly what it costs, as it's a bundle with TV and my phone service.

USA rural internet pretty much sucks. Too big a country with a sparse populous spread out. Even WISP doesn't want to build the required towers for reliable, fast access. Many of us are left with satellite which truly sucks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
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    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
Didn't think it's so expensive in USA, around here I am paying about $15 US for 15/2 internet and 50 channel basic package IPTV and less than $4 US for cell phone service, 300 minutes free. Only problem is that high end internet is scarce, fiber only downtown in few larger cities. When I first stated with internet it was dial-up only at 1440 Baud.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD
Now after that piece of information I'm amazed that you seem to be paying a LOT for a VERY SLOW service -- is it that expensive in the USA. I'd look for cheaper services -- there must be -- or possibly a better solution is to use a 4G mobile phone service and use that as an internet access point if you have unlimited data. It's MUCH FASTER and setting up an Access point is simple.
I pay around $50-60 a month for my service, which is 15/2. It's hard to say exactly what it costs, as it's a bundle with TV and my phone service.

Hi there.

For TV and phone included that isn't too bad. I use a separate satellite system for TV but thinking of changing to an "all in" package as these are definitely cheaper these days (at least in most of EU and EEA countries).

The drawback with the all in systems is that you usually have to pay a 15 - 20 EUR a month for "Line Rental" for a phone service that I really don't want and probably never use -- Mobile phone is more than OK -- I have my own one, a Works one and a spare basic simple emergency Pay as you Go "El cheapo" old fashioned one.

All the packages I see don't allow you to opt out of the phone service which rather reduces the value -- you often see amazingly cheap broadband deals but there is always small print saying price is xxxx including yyyy line rental !!!! which makes the original offer not so attractive.

Fixed Lines these days are really "Dinosaur Technology" -- Who really ever uses these any more -- even on long distance or International calls you can use things like SKYPE on a mobile so the old idea that fixed line calls are cheaper than mobile is total B/S - plus it costs a lot of money to maintain a lot of this old infrastructure - even if you can find engineers who still know how to service this old kit.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Jimbo,

You misunderstood my post. The $50-$60 part is approx what my internet portion is. My total bill for TV, internet and phone is $175 a month. That's 2 cable boxes total, 1 is an HD DVR, 1 is just an HD box. I also have HBO and am getting a $25 monthly discount after calling to complain when my bill increased after my previous discount expired.

We keep a land line albeit a VOIP connection because we are in flight path of Detroit metro airport and cell phone coverage is seriously impaired because of this.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I just looked at my provider, Wide Open West in Michigan. If you only get inet, standard price is $42 for 2Mbps, $52 for 15/1, $72 for 30/3 and $92 for $50/5.

I am grandfathered into a 15/2 plan. My only other provider is Comcast, but I will pay anything to avoid that. Uverse is possible, but they don't guarantee high speeds because of the distance away from the service point that I am away.

And I don't live in the sticks, I'm 5 miles north of Detroit Metro airport in metropolitan Detroit.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
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