Why is my internet so slow?

[David]

I am using AT&T and my internet connection is supposedly 100 mbps (It says so in the network settings). However, when I check it on speedtest, it says it is only around .70-.80 mbps (note the decimal point in front of the numbers). This really does not add up. My ethernet cable is only a few months old (undamaged) and the router we have is also relatively new. This has led to more than a few instances of incredibly slow/laggy internet. In addition, it can take several days to download large files (>1GB). Why is the difference between connection speed and the actual connection so large? I know that you're supposed to have a small amount of the bandwidth that is unusable, usually 10 to 20 percent, but this is an astronomical difference (almost 99%). Perhaps the modem is causing the problem?

[Tracy L]

Network settings on your computer only show the speed between your computer and the router/modem not the internet speed. The internet speed depends on which package you have from ART. Go try speeds at http://speedtest.net to see what you are really getting. Most servers show speeds in mega bytes/second there are 8 bits in one byte, thus 16mbs is only 2MBs. So multiply your .70 by 8 times to get bits or about 6mbs in ATT speak.