WAN speed converter form
Example data table
| Input | From | To | Overhead | Utilization | Duplex | Transfer Size | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | Mbps | MB/s | 6% | 100% | Full | 10 GB | Branch office file sync |
| 1 | Gbps | MiB/s | 8% | 85% | Full | 50 GiB | Backup replication planning |
| 44.736 | Mbps | Kbps | 4% | 90% | Half | 700 MB | Legacy carrier circuit review |
| 155.52 | Mbps | MB/s | 7% | 80% | Full | 100 GB | Backhaul capacity estimation |
Formula used
Raw bps = Input value × Unit factor
Effective bps = Raw bps × (1 − Overhead%) × Utilization%
Converted speed = bps ÷ Target unit factor
Aggregate bps = Effective bps × 2 for full duplex, otherwise Aggregate bps = Effective bps
Transfer time seconds = (File size bytes × 8) ÷ Effective bps
Packets per second = Effective bps ÷ (MTU bytes × 8)
This model is practical for bandwidth planning, link comparison, throughput estimation, migration reviews, and rough file transfer forecasting.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the available WAN speed value.
- Select the current unit, such as Mbps, Gbps, or MiB/s.
- Choose the target output unit you want to compare.
- Enter protocol overhead to reflect framing, headers, or encapsulation.
- Set expected utilization for realistic operating conditions.
- Choose half or full duplex based on link behavior.
- Enter a transfer size to estimate completion time.
- Review the results, graph, and export options for reporting.
Frequently asked questions
1) Why is effective speed lower than raw speed?
Raw speed is the line rate. Effective speed subtracts protocol overhead and optional utilization limits. That gives a more realistic payload throughput value for planning.
2) What is the difference between MB/s and Mbps?
Mbps means megabits per second. MB/s means megabytes per second. One byte equals eight bits, so MB/s values are much smaller numerically for the same link.
3) When should I use binary units like MiB/s?
Use MiB/s when comparing to storage tools, operating systems, and file copy utilities that report binary-based throughput. Use MB/s for decimal networking style comparisons.
4) Does full duplex double file transfer speed?
Not for a single one-way transfer. Full duplex doubles total bidirectional capacity, allowing simultaneous send and receive traffic without sharing the same direction budget.
5) What overhead value should I enter?
Use a value that reflects real protocol and framing losses. Many routine planning cases use roughly 3% to 10%, depending on encapsulation and traffic patterns.
6) Why include utilization percentage?
Many links should not be planned at constant maximum load. Utilization helps model safer operating targets, congestion headroom, or policy-based bandwidth limits.
7) Is transfer time exact?
No. It is a planning estimate. Real transfers also depend on latency, application behavior, packet loss, parallel streams, and storage performance.
8) Can I use named link rates like T1 or OC-3?
Yes. The unit list includes several named circuit standards and Ethernet rates, so you can compare legacy and modern WAN links quickly.