What are downstream and upstream speeds?
Downstream speed is the speed at which you can download data from the Internet. Upstream speed is the speed at which you can upload data to the Internet. Thus downstream speed refers to the speed at which you view information on the Internet and download Web pages. Upstream speed refers to the speed at which you can send e-mail messages or files. In most cases, downstream speed is the more important factor to consider in your decision to purchase DSL, since downstream speed affects the rate at which you can view Web pages, receive e-mail, or download music.