In today's highly developed Internet, network speed has become an important standard to measure user experience. We hear a lot about negotiated speeds and actual speeds, but what is the connection between the two and what do you know about the story behind them? Let's unravel this mystery together.
Imagine a silent conversation between your computer and your router: "How fast can I run?" "Let me see, I can run that fast, too." In the end, they agree on a maximum speed acceptable to both sides, which is the negotiating speed. It is like a tacit understanding between network devices, which automatically sets a theoretical upper limit based on hardware specifications and current connection conditions, such as Wi-Fi standards, network cable quality, and so on.
Actual Internet speed: The gap between ideal and reality
When you are enjoying an online video or downloading a large file, the actual perceived speed is often lower than the negotiated speed, why?
Signing limits: First, your actual Internet speed will not exceed the bandwidth contracted with your ISP (Internet service provider). For example, if your plan is 100Mbps, then that's your limit.
Network congestion: Just like the morning and evening peak traffic, the network also has peak periods, packets queued for transmission, naturally slow.
Device bottleneck: Every link from the router to the computer, including network cards and network cables, may be a speed shortage.
Environmental interference: When connected wirelessly, walls, appliances and even the weather can affect the signal and slow down the actual speed.
Server response: Don't forget that the actual Internet speed also depends on the response speed of the website server you are visiting.
How to make the actual Internet speed closer to the ideal?
Upgrade your hardware: Make sure all your devices support high-speed connections, such as those using Wi-Fi 6 routers and the appropriate standard.
Optimize connectivity: Check and replace high-quality network cables to ensure smooth wireless signal flow.
Manage the network: Avoid heavy traffic during peak hours and shut down unnecessary background applications.
Technical tweaks: For professionals, tweaking router Settings may also provide a boost.
The relationship between network negotiation speed and actual network speed reveals the transformation process of network performance from theory to practice. Although the actual network speed is often lower than the negotiated speed, by constantly optimizing network equipment, improving the network environment, and rationally planning network resources, we can improve the actual network speed as much as possible and bring users a better network experience. Understanding the story behind it helps us better grasp the development direction of network technology and meet the challenges of the digital age.
