Technical guide explains bit vs byte and Ethernet speed limitations

Understanding the distinction between bits and bytes is essential for interpreting internet speeds. Telecommunications companies typically measure network speeds in megabits per second (Mbps), using a lowercase ‘b’. In contrast, data storage and download managers use megabytes (MB) with an uppercase ‘B’. Because one byte consists of eight bits, the actual download speed in MB/s can be calculated by dividing the contracted Mbps by eight.

When using wired connections, users may encounter issues where a Gigabit Ethernet cable fails to exceed 100 Mbps on Windows systems. Common causes for this limitation include physical damage to the cable, improper crimping, or poor contact. Additionally, the length of the cable can impact performance; while high-quality cables can maintain speed over long distances, exceeding certain lengths may lead to significant speed degradation.