1. Introduction
When I first started experimenting with overseas VPS, I was confidently excited about the “100Mbps bandwidth” thinking it would allow download speeds to reach 100MB/s. But when I actually started downloading, the speed was nowhere near what I had imagined. I thought I had been scammed by the provider, but then I realized that the issue was all about units—if you don’t understand it, it’ll mislead you; but once you do, it’ll make perfect sense.
2. Mbps and MB/s: Bandwidth ≠ Download Speed
To understand how bandwidth translates to download speed, there’s just one key point to remember:
Bandwidth is measured in Mbps (megabits per second), while download speed is displayed in MB/s (megabytes per second).
1 byte (B) = 8 bits (b).
So the conversion formula is:
1 Mbps = 0.125 MB/s
To calculate the theoretical download speed, just divide the bandwidth by 8.
Note: The speeds above are theoretical and may not always be achievable in real-world scenarios.
3. Why Actual Speeds May Not Reach Theoretical Values
Many people see a “100Mbps bandwidth” advertised and expect speeds of 12.5MB/s, but in reality, the download speeds often don’t match. Here’s why:
3.1 Network Latency and Packet Loss
When connecting to overseas VPS, data has to travel across long physical distances and pass through many network nodes. The longer the path and the worse the network quality, the higher the latency and the more packets are lost, which ultimately slows down the speed.
3.2 Dedicated vs. Shared Bandwidth
This is a crucial point that many new users overlook.
Dedicated bandwidth: Think of it as your own private highway, where you can go full speed without competition.
Shared bandwidth: It’s like a public bus, shared with others. During peak times, your speed may be “bottlenecked” as everyone tries to use the resources at once.
Cheap VPS packages often use shared bandwidth, which means speed instability is common.
3.3 VPS Performance Bottlenecks
Some low-end VPS plans come with weak CPUs, limited memory, or slow disk I/O, which means even if the bandwidth is large, the VPS may not be able to handle the volume of data effectively.
3.4 Protocol Overhead
Data transmission isn’t purely “raw data”; protocols like TCP, TLS, etc., add extra “overhead.” While this overhead may be minimal, it does reduce the effective bandwidth available for data transfer.
4. Bandwidth Recommendations for VPS Users
Bandwidth numbers are important, but bigger isn’t always better. Based on my own experience, here are some useful recommendations:
4.1 First Consider the Line Quality, Then Bandwidth Size
Example:
A 10Mbps CN2 GIA VPS will provide smooth 4K streaming at night.
A 100Mbps regular line VPS might barely load a website during peak hours.
Before purchasing, always ask the provider for a test IP, and use ping and traceroute tools to check latency and routing to your location.
4.2 Choose Bandwidth Based on Usage, Don’t Just Go for Big Numbers
Personal blogs/small websites: 1–5Mbps is usually enough.
VPN/streaming high-definition videos: Start with 30–50Mbps (with optimized routes like CN2 GIA).
File download sites/media sites: At least 50Mbps, or higher if needed.
4.3 Beware of the "Big Bandwidth, Small Traffic" Trap
Some providers advertise 1Gbps bandwidth but limit monthly traffic to 300GB.
This means the high bandwidth becomes irrelevant because you’ll burn through the traffic in no time. Not a good deal.
4.4 Start with Low Configuration, Upgrade as Needed
If you’re unsure of your needs, opt for a low configuration, monthly-paid plan. It’s a safer and more economical way to test your requirements, and you can upgrade later as needed.
5. Conclusion
VPS bandwidth isn’t always falsely advertised—it’s just that many users are misled by the relationship between Mbps and MB/s. Once you understand the conversion formula and consider factors like line quality, VPS performance, and use cases, you’ll make smarter choices and avoid being tricked by marketing numbers.
I hope this article helps you feel more confident when selecting a VPS, so you can avoid common pitfalls and save some money along the way.