Downstream (computer science)

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In information technology, downstream refers to the transfer speed (usually that of an internet connection) by which data can be sent from the server to the client. The process by which downstream is utilized is known as downloading.

In the US, optimal 56k connections are able to send 53 kilobits per second to the client. Asymmetrical (or asynchronous) DSL and Cable Modems, the two most popular broadband services in the world today, have greatly improved downstream speeds in comparison with 56 k, with speeds reaching over 7 Mbit/s. However, the overall download speed of a file is dependent on both the downstream of the user and the upstream of the server.

See also: Upstream