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Computer data is based on binary bits, with 8 bits forming a byte. Traditional usage defines 1 kilobit as 1.024 bits and 1 kilobyte as 1.024 bytes. The International System of Units defines 1 kilobit as 1,000 bits. Dial-up modems operate at 56 kbps, while high-speed services like DSL, cable, and satellite can provide speeds up to 100mbps. Understanding kbps is important when choosing an ISP.
Computer data architecture is based on the binary system of using ones and zeros in a string of eight “bits” to form different characters. Each eight-bit string is called a byte. 8 bits = 1 byte = 1 character as described by the order of the 8 data bits
For example, the capital letter “K” is expressed in binary bits as “01001011. In traditional usage, 1.024 bits of data equals one kilobit, while 1.024 bytes equals one kilobyte. Kbps always refers to kilobits, while the designation of KB/sec refers to kilobytes.
1024 bit = 1 kilobit
1024 bytes = 1 kilobyte = 8 kilobits
1024 kilobytes = 1 megabyte = 8.192 kilobits
While these digits are still used in many applications, the International System of Units (SI) provides a slightly different official definition. To align the prefixes with those used in the metric system, they define 1 kilobit as 1,000 bits; 1,024 bits are called kibibits. Traditional measurements are still most commonly used for computer memory, while most networking applications use SI measurements.
One of the most popular devices for evaluating data transfer rates in terms of kilobits per second is the standard dial-up modem. At 56 kbps, it provides the least expensive, albeit slowest, method of connecting to the Internet. For example, DSL modems provide speeds as low as 144 kbps and as high as 3,000 kbps, sometimes expressed as 3.0 mbps (megabits per second).
Many high-speed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) continue to describe their services in terms of kilobits, rather than using kilobytes or megabits. This makes it easier for potential customers to compare transfer speeds with their existing dial-up modems. When rates are expressed in units other than kbps, it can be confusing for the buyer.
While a dial-up modem is capable of speeds approaching 56 kilobits per second, line noise, network traffic, and other interference can significantly reduce data transfer rates. Under the best circumstances, a 56 kbps modem will generally operate at about 53 kbps or 6 KB/sec. Here are some conversions that might help when looking at high-speed services:
kbps
KB/sec
Mbps
MB/sec
56
7
Dial-up
144
18
(3 times faster)
384
48
(8 times faster)
768
96
(16 times faster)
1,100
137.5
1.0
(20 times faster)
1,500
187.5
1.5
(27 times faster)
3,000
375
2.9
0.36
(54 times faster)
6,000
750
5.8
0.73
(108x faster)
High-speed services might include DSL, cable, and satellite. VDSL (Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line) can provide speeds up to 100mbps. Typically, the higher the transfer speed, the higher the monthly charge. Home consumers switching from dial-up modems to high-speed access will likely hire the services of a company that provides speeds in the ranges listed above.
With the emphasis on Internet connectivity in work, school and home – and the growing applications that require higher throughput – understanding kbps will no doubt become useful in determining the best value for money when switching ISPs.
