Question for all you network gurus.

 

Something that has always bothered me or I was really wondering about is network speed. So I have a 6mpbs broadband connection from Comcast. Supposedly that is sort of fast. It goes into my cable modem/wireless router combo unit provided by Comcast. The Ethernet ports are supposedly 10/100 mpbs and the wireless-g is supposed to top out at 54mpbs. What is the difference between the 6mpbs broadband bandwidth and the data rate transfer speed? I mean if it comes in over a 6mpbs pipline how does it retransmit from the router so much faster? Are the ethernet ports 10mpbs or 100 mbps? How come the wireless adapter on my upstairs PC is so much slower that the PC connected directly to the Ethernet port. What is a good data rate transfer speed for a laptop within my three story home? and the final question how do you test the data rate transfer speed? How do I know what I am getting. The modem/router combo I have is from NETGEAR and all I know is that it says wireless-g router/modem on the bottom of the unit.

 

Regards