Different Speeds of Cables

[AtreideS]

Since connecting my WinXP machine to my Win98 laptop I have noticed that WinXP displays the speed at which they connect. When I first connected them (via Direct Cable Connection) I was using the Com Port 1. I noticed this connected at 19kps. I then tried using the Printer Port LPT1 and its connected at 4mbps. I am not familar with mbps and kps. Can you please tell me how fast these connections are compared to a basic network connection? I am planning on installing a network in my home and I was wondering just how much faster a network would be. Please help. Thanks.

 

[Iamnameless]

Kbps = Kilobits per second = 1000 bits per second
mbps = Megabitsper second = 1000000 bits per second

A LAN connection is either 10 or 100 Mbps, depending on your equipment.

Or faster depending on what kind of fancy equipment you can get your hands on, but your average LAN is either 10 or 100 Mbps

 

[4 Computer Fix]

Not trying to be a smart guy or anything but

Kbps = Kilobytes per second = 1024 bits per second
mbps = Megabytesper second = 1048576 bits per second

He was right about the average LAN being 10 to 100 mbps.

 

[Iamnameless]

close enough for the government...
easy approximation...saves having to explain why its 1024 and not 1000...

 

[4 Computer Fix]

LOL I know what you mean - but 48576 bytes per second IU'd like to keep wouldn't you? LOL

 

[Iamnameless]

heheh...yeah...makes a big difference when you get high enough...

 

[StevenYoungMin]

Now you guys have confused me. I'm not quibbling about 1000 or 1024 but what does the b mean.

One of you says the b stands for bits - i.e. a single binary digit, whilst the other says b stands for bytes - i.e. eight binary digits....

There should be a factor of 8 difference between the two.... can anyone clarify this for me?

Steven

 

[angel]

b=bits
B=Bytes (8 bits)

 

[StevenYoungMin]

Thanks.

you're an angel!

Steven

 

[4 Computer Fix]

Actually it should then read mBps as it refers to bytes not bits.

 

[StevenYoungMin]

So 4computerfix - does this mean that your calculations above are a factor of 8 out as you have give the speen in bits per second...

Steven

 

[4 Computer Fix]

I finally seewhere i confused you - man I was totally lost there for a sec - lemme try this again and my sincere apologies!!!!!


Kbps = Kilobytes per second = 1024 BYTES (not bits) per second
mbps = Megabytesper second = 1048576 BYTES (not bits) per second

Again I apologize for the confussion there and the typo!!!

*going to go hide in the corner now*

 

[StevenYoungMin]

Thanks for persevering with me.

all clear now!!

Steven