Downstream (networking)
In a telecommunications network or computer network, downstream refers to data sent from a network service provider to a customer.
Although the best dial-up modems are called 56 kbit/s modems, downstream speeds can be limited to a few tens of kilobits per second with even lower upstream speeds. Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) and cable modems, two popular Internet access technologies, greatly improved downstream speeds reaching several Mbit/s. Mobile broadband and satellite Internet access providers also often have lower upstream speeds than downstream.