horribly slow internet [ Edited ]

[baoyung]

I did the internet speed test and I got about 4 MB/s in the each of the tests. Why is it that the maximum speed at which I can download something is only 300 or so KB/s and my upload is about .4 mbs. There should be no problem with my computer becuase its is a pretty good computer. The modem shouldnt have any interference because it is sitting on my desk next to my computer and connected to a router via ethernet cable which is connected to my modem via ethernet cable.

My computer specs : intel i7 quad core

      500 gb memory

      4 gb ram

[texasguy37 ACE - Champion]

Which U-verse gateway do you have?

Which U-verse internet package do you have?

Are you receiving the same speeds with both wired and wireless connections?

[hpmsrm]

The difference in speed that you are seeing is typical.  The speed test measures the system.  But, in practice, the actual real-life downloads and uploads are always quite a lot slower than the rated speed.  In my opinion that is because an actual download involves a lot more links in the chain and many of them are weaker (slower) than the Uverse system.

For example:  In my home we subscribe to the 18 mbps speed.  When I run the speed check it usually shows that we're getting anywhere between 16.5 and 17.8 mbps.  That's good because AT&T guarantees 80% of the subscribed speed to the output of the RG.  OK.....but when I'm downloading a video.....a program....or pictures....or practically anything else from the Internet.........now a lot more links are added to the chain.  The servers at the source or the total load on the system, for example.   These can all have a detrimental effect.   In our case we usually see download speeds of around 600 to, occasionally, as high as 760 mbps.  Perhaps even, very occasionally, 1 mbps.   This would happen whether we were using AT&T Uverse or Comcast or any other ISP.    AND this is why most of us subscribe to the highest possible Internet speed that we can afford.  But....even then.....as the old saying goes, "a chain is no stronger than its weakest link".