How fast is Wi-Fi?
Although the downtown Wi-Fi network is capable of transmitting data at a speed of 11 megabits per second, the speed of the DSL connection to the internet is 1000 kilobits (1 megabit) upstream (sending data to the internet) and 5.0 megabits downstream (receiving data from the internet). Therefore, the speed of the network is only as fast as the slowest link, i.e., the broadband connection to the internet. Speed is also affected by the quality of the signal, the distance from the wireless access point, and the number of people using the hotspot at a particular time. Connecting to the hotspot from within a building in the hotspot coverage area is possible but limited based on the factors previously mentioned and the architecture of the building. Someone connecting to the network on the street will find a more favorable connection speed then someone inside a building.
