Large Files Transfers on Comcast

[MacMagus]

> But back to my original question. Is there anyway to create a secure or encrypted
> connection between 2 macs to get around Comcast's dirty tricks??

You mean like a VPN connection?

No, not that I'm aware of.

I've used VPN's and transferred via FTP, AFP, SMB, AIM/iChat and SSH with similar results. FTP, at least, has less overhead than other methods so it's usually the fastest, but not by much.

[prof]

[quote shadow]]For large file transfers, ignore the whole "PowerBoost" thing. Your agreement with Comcast is most likely for 6 MB down, 768 kB up. This translates to sustained transfers of 768 kB per sec down and 96 kB per second up. Throw in protocol overhead and your are more likely to expect around 600 kB per sec down and 76 kB per second up.

Assuming a 5G file and a 100% dedicated channel, it should take about 19 hours to transfer. What estimated transfer times are you seeing?
38 hours, and I'm on Comcast's highest speed (residential) plan!

[shadow]

Hmmm .... is it possible your area only has 384 kbps upload? That would give you a 38 hour transfer time.

[prof]

speedtest.net just gave me this result

DL: 11359 kb/s UL: 1444 kb/s

Which would seem to confirm that Comcast is throttling large file transfers.
Now if only the customers could get the opportunity to throttle them!

[M A V I C]

I know Comcast does a lot of dumb stuff, but the symptoms described are a "feature." Had you tried this a couple years ago, you would have had the slow transfer rate the entire time, not fast at the beginning. The initial burst is a feature, then it drops down to the rates they advertise.

In other words, GGD & Grim are spot-on.

What are the transfer rates of your plain? Mine are 6Mb down and 384kb up. That's the fastest residential plan in this area. However, for an extra $10/mo I can upgrade to a business plan (also available in residential areas) That's something like 10Mb down and 768kb up.

So let's say you have the fast residential plan. 384kb up is 48kB up, theoretical. Shave off 10% overhead and possibly 10% for line quality issues, and you'll get about 40kB/s. 5GB is 5,242,880kB. That should take about 131,072 seconds to transfer. That's about 36.5hrs. That's very close to the estimate 38hrs you're seeing. If you calculate in things like web surfing, checking email... and other services using your internet connection, 38hrs is just about right.

I'm a bit biased because I've had cable modems for nine years and only had speed boost for a few months. I really like speed boost so I do consider it a feature.

[M A V I C]

[quote prof]speedtest.net just gave me this result

DL: 11359 kb/s UL: 1444 kb/s

Which would seem to confirm that Comcast is throttling large file transfers.
Now if only the customers could get the opportunity to throttle them!
What are the transfer rates in the plan are you subscribed to? Speedtest.net results are worthless in this case as they don't account for speed power boost.

Edit: Here's my speedtest.net results on a Comcast 6Mb down 384kb up connection

[Jimmypoo]

I have the 6mbit with 16mbit burst, and the upload is only 384kbit. A continuous 40k/sec
is to be welcomed and joyous about, at my not-so-humble, in-your-face, break your head 'abode.'

In your commode? Don't rightly think I can say. Wurm had some really strange
things going on with his ability to upload - even to his own domain. Perhaps he
can take us all on a tour that relives that moment in Internet History so we can see
its relevance to this thread.....

and now, I'd like to welcome Boston's own..... Mr. Wurm!

"Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!"

(That's bird applause. Hey Paul F.! You should hear how those British MRFers do it!)

[wurm]

Hell, I have no idea what the problem was or what kind of speeds I'm getting now. I do know that it doesn't seem to be as bad now, but that may be because I changed hosts.

[freeradical]

I have Comcast now, and upload speeds are slow.

I used to have a Surewest account, with fiber to the wall. My upload speeds with Surewest were faster than my current download speeds with Comcast.

Surewest was wicked fast.

Actually, everything about Surewest was better. The television was digital by default, there were a lot more channels, the cable box could practically fit in your shirt pocket...

[AllGold]

Standard speed is 6M/384K for most of the country. In a few select areas where there is competition from Verizon FIOS, Comcast's speed is 6M/768K. You can pay an extra $10/month (as if you weren't already paying too much) to get 8M/768K, which also gets jacked up higher if you're able to get FIOS.

Mavic and Jimmypoo already gave the sustained upload speed you can expect. However, if you're lucky you might do just a tiny bit better because it appears that in some places they provision you at 400K upload instead of 384K. Big whoop.

And as mentioned, upload Powerboost is useless for all but the smallest transfers.