Why does 56k connection service only download at ~3kb?

[Guest_imported]

Hello,
When using dialing to a 56k connection, assume it connects at ~49kb. Why is the download speed only ~3-4kb/sec ? Why can it download and upload at the connected speed (i.e. 49kb)?

Thank you.

 

[crisc]

Your connection speed is a factor that makes up your transfer rate, but there are other factors as well. The server you are downloading from doesn't have an unlimited amount of bandwidth available. If a lot of clients are accessing the server along with you, it divides it's available bandwidth among them all, giving everyone a low tranfer rate.

 

[chuka]

It's 3- 4 KBytes/sec not 3-4 Kbits/sec

Every Byte is 8 bits, with overhead you'll get 9 - 10 bits.