Does Skype use alot of bandwidth?

[Chris]

Hello fellow MyADSL members

Before I get into this Skype thing, I would like to know how much bandwidth Skype uses per minute or per second.

Thx

[Perdition]

From the Skype FAQ :

How much bandwidth does Skype use while I’m in a call?
Skype automatically selects the best codec depending on the connection between yourself and the person you are calling. On average, Skype uses between 3-16 kilobytes/sec depending on bandwidth available for other party, network conditions in between, callers CPU performance, etc.

[Alkine]

Yea mine usually picks 3-4 kb/s and its not bad quality at all. Adsl 384 on both ends btw.

[Chris]

Hmm..that is quite alot for say a 10min conversation because I am a heavy internet browser so I might have to skip Skype.

[Perdition]

I'm on ISDN 64k and can browse and Skype at the same time with minimal interruption, only when loading a site with a lot of pictures does it break up a bit. You won't find any VOIP app that uses much less bandwidth than Skype without a serious loss in audio quality.

[louisp]

Yup. on ISDN with only two users in chat, it works 100%, Just don't try to conference call, it starts breaking up.

:)

oh and remember if you Skype 24hr, then it's similar to downloading at 3-4kB/s 24hr. Can eat a nice chunk out of your 3GB limit

[mancombseepgood]

You leave skype connected or actually chat 24/7? Wow, get some sleep dude!
As far as I can tell, VERY little bandwidth consumed to stay connected on Skype. I have 5 users in the office connected all day using skype - not much bandwidth used, unless ur in a conversation, of course!

[Alkine]

not much bandwidth used, unless ur in a conversation, of course!

I think we all assumed it was while we are talking.

[mancombseepgood]

I was commenting on this:

"oh and remember if you Skype 24hr, then it's similar to downloading at 3-4kB/s 24hr. Can eat a nice chunk out of your 3GB limit"

[DFantom]

Hello fellow MyADSL members

Before I get into this Skype thing, I would like to know how much bandwidth Skype uses per minute or per second.

Thx

http://www.packetizer.com/voip/diagnostics/bandcalc.html

[bwana]

Hello fellow MyADSL members

Before I get into this Skype thing, I would like to know how much bandwidth Skype uses per minute or per second.

Thx

According to the Skype site:

How much bandwidth does Skype use when there are no active calls?
On average Skype uses 0-0.5 kilobytes/sec while idle. This is used mainly for contact presence updates. The exact bandwidth depends on many factors.

Now my maths isnt what it used to be - and someone please correct me if I'm wrong - but 0.5x3600 seconds = 1800KB/s = 1.75 mb per hour max when its idle?

[WickedWeasel]

If you work out how much bandwidth is uses compared to actually making the call, you will be supprised at how cheap it is, the better quality your equipment is the less bandwidth it uses, we ran it on two diffrent computer one, that was beafed up and one that was not, the one that was beafed up used less bandwidth. if you initiate the call your skype can dictate the connection rate. so just tick the box in the settings, to use less bandwidth.

[bwana]

WW - newbee qn I'm sure - is there an easy way measure the bandwidth a specific app uses? I only really use my windoze machine to attract dust, though at the moment I'm being forced to use it as Skype hasnt implemented SkypeIn for their mac version.

I dont think the Mac version has a setting to adjust the connection rate and I'm just too darn lazy right now to go into the other room to check the PC settings so I'll have to take your word for it and hopefully remember to look tomorrow!