The list below shows the correlation between the speed (bandwidth) expressed in kilobits and speed in kilobytes:

  • 56 K = 7 kb / s
  • 128 K = 16 kb / s
  • 512 K = 64 kb / s
  • 1024 K = 128 kb / s
  • 2048 K = 256 kb / s


byte is the translation of byte (but not a bit).
1 byte = 8 bits
SO:

  • 56 Kilo-bit / s = 56 / 8 KB / s = 7 kb / s
  • 128 Kilo-bit / s = 128 / 8 KB / s = 16 kb / s
  • 512 Kilo-bit / s = 512 / 8 KB / s = 64 kb / s
  • 1024 Kilo-bit / s = 1024 / 8 KB / s = 128 kb / s
  • 2048 Kilo-bit / s = 2048 / 8 KB / s = 256 kb / s


Remember that the speed issue varies from one ISP to another, and also an offer to another at the same ISP (for example if you are unbundled or not, etc.).

I have an ADSL xxxx, but when I download it's going slower than what it should, why?

The speed of a DSL line is the theoretical maximum throughput possible.

If the server where you are downloading is able to send only 3 KB / sec, you receive 3 KB / second, even on an ADSL 8192. Your ISP is not in question.

You should know that that during a download, data packets traveling from computer to computer server to your computer.

This is the slowest computer in the chain which limits the flow.
(A bit like a pipe whose diameter is not always the same: the smaller diameter that will determine the actual flow.)

The upload is too slow!

Example: I have an ADSL 8192, so in principle 1 MB per second. J'upload but when it does not exceed 64 kb / second.

This is normal. ADSL = Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.
The "A" means that the ADSL connection is asymmetrical: The flow down (download) is important, and the flow amount (uploads) is lower.