How to optimize upload speed?
How do I optimize my upload speeds?
The upload speed that you have when uploading files to a Space or sending files through Hightail depends on your network connection and bandwidth. Bandwidth allowance determines the amount of data that can pass from the Internet to your web browser in a given amount of time. A smaller bandwidth results in a longer time that it takes Internet data to transfer on your web browser.
Troubleshooting Steps if you notice a slow upload speed:
If your upload speeds are slower than you think they should be there may be a problem with your Internet service connection.
Just click on this link to run a speed test and see what current speeds your connection is running at:
You will normally want at least a 1-2Mbps upload connection to ensure a smooth file transfer. If your connection speeds are not as strong as the internet plan that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) should be providing please reach out to your ISP and have them verify your connection is working properly.
One other item that can cause issues is if you are on a wireless connection. Wireless connections are known to have small connection glitches which can cause a file stall and we suggest switching over to a wired connection.
Other upload problems can be due to a number of reasons. Please trying the following:
- Try uploading with Firefox or Chrome. They provide enhanced capabilities over Internet Explorer, resolves most Java issues, and will provide the best Hightail experience.
- Restart your computer. Occasionally, one-time issues may prevent Java from functioning correctly, and a restart may solve these problems. Make sure to Allow the Drag and Drop applet once you restart and attempt the upload again.
- Check your version of Java and update to the latest release of Java.
Additional details on upload speeds
Slow upload speeds can have a variety of causes. Hightail does not limit, throttle, or cap upload speeds, these speeds are determined primarily by the user’s connection and computer. If you find that your upload is taking longer than it should, we have listed a few reasons that may affect upload speeds.
Kilobytes vs. Kilobits
There is a difference between “Kb” (kilobit) and “KB” (kilobyte). One kilobyte is equal to eight kilobits. Internet service providers (ISP) often calculate and advertise upload and download speeds in terms of “Kbps” (kilobits per second) while Hightail uploads are calculated in terms of “KBps” (kilobytes per second). Therefore, if you are receiving upload speeds of 30 KBps this would be interpreted as 240 Kbps by your ISP.
Firewalls
Firewalls can slow down or stop the upload process. If you use third-party software, try temporarily turning off firewalls such as ZoneAlarm, the built-in Windows or Macintosh firewall, or any others.
Business network restrictions
Users accessing our site from an office setting may find that their IT department has blocked or slowed down connections to Hightail. Try consulting your IT department on restrictions they may have placed on uploads or unapproved web sites.
Try a different browser or computer.
Users may find that their upload speeds increase on alternative browsers. Please ensure that your web browser is the latest version of Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox or Chrome. If your upload speed has not improved after you have tried updating and/or switching internet browsers, please try a different computer to help isolate the issue. If your upload speed increases on another computer, then you will know that the first computer itself was causing the slower speed. If your speed does not increase, then this is most likely an issue with your internet connection
Internet Service Provider
Sometimes slow upload speeds are the fault of your Internet Service Provider. We recommend a high speed internet connection with high upload speeds. Often with Cable and DSL, the upload speed is significantly slower than the download speed. This will result in fast loading times for most websites and file downloads, but slow uploads.