Download and Upload Speeds
When you work online, you are both downloading and uploading data - these speeds are measured in Megabits per second, or Mbps, and they dictate how effective your online experience is.
Your Download Speed dictates how quickly you can download files - this includes browsing websites and watching videos. Download speeds generally are between 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps, although they can get as high as 1,000 Mbps.
Your Upload Speed dictates how quickly you can send files - this includes video conferencing, submitting assignments, and uploading video files to Panopto. Upload speeds are generally much lower, ranging from 3 Mbps to 25 Mbps.
Bandwidth Minimum Requirements
Zoom Video Conferencing
...requires a minimum of 2Mbps download and 2Mbps upload speeds. However, at these speeds, you may experience lag or disconnection, especially if sharing your connection with others. ITS recommends download speeds of 10 - 25 Mbps when possible
Panopto
...does not have minimum network requirements for uploading video, but a slow upload speed can mean video uploads take hours or even days. ITS recommends upload speeds of 3 - 5Mbps when possible.
Blackboard
...requires very little bandwidth to browse. However, downloading and uploading files from Blackboard can be more bandwidth-intensive, especially for media files like video and uncompressed images.
FCC Broadband Definition
The Federal Communications Commission defines Broadband Internet as having a minimum of 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed. Check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to see if Broadband is available in your area.