If the upstream is saturated by uploading (e.g., sending a large PowerPoint file to the boss, or running a Napster or other public service), the downstream will drop to about the same speed. This is due to a weakness in the basic TCP Internet protocol, not Cable or DSL per se, and not the service provider.

A symmetrical connection (where the downstream and upstream are the same speed) is ideal for business use. If one person on the network on an asymmetrical connection uploads a large file, then everyone will slow down.

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by redxii edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-02-23 15:39:17