What Is An Upload?

Date First Published: 1st March 2022

Topic: Computer Networking

Subtopic: Data Transmission Technologies

Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 2/10

Learn more about what an upload is in this article.

An upload, sometimes shortened to a U/L is a term used to describe a file being copied from a device to a server in order for it to be accessed over the internet. Every time a file is shared or an assignment is submitted to a website, data is uploaded. It is the opposite of downloading as this is used to describe a file being copied from a server to another device over the internet. It is one of the most common file sharing methods, with the other being downloading.

Uploads occur less often than downloads. For example, if a copy of a file is being sent to a file storage service, such as OneDrive, an upload is being performed, since data is being sent from one device to another, usually a server. An easy way to remember the difference between uploading and downloading is:

• Upload = Send. Data from a device, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet is being sent to another location over the internet, usually a web server. Upload icons are usually represented by arrows pointing upwards, because of the word 'up' in upload.
• Download = Save. Data from another location is being saved onto a device, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Download icons are usually represented by arrows pointing downwards, because of the word 'down' in download.

Upload Speed

All uploads have an upload speed, which refers to the rate that a file can be copied from a web server to a computer. Upload speed is measured in megabits per second (Mb/s). The higher the upload speed, the quicker a copy of the file will be sent to the web server. Slower upload speeds mean that it will take a longer period of time. The upload speed is mostly based on the ISP and the server and a good upload speed is around 5 Mb/s.

Methods Of Uploading

• FTP - The oldest and most widely used method and communication standard of uploading files to a web server over the internet. FTP clients, such as FileZilla are used.
• Saving to the cloud - This refers to uploading files to a remote location, where they can be accessed over the internet, usually by username and password authentication. An example of a cloud storage service is Google Drive, since it allows users to upload and share any type of file, such as programs, videos, images, documents, etc.
• P2P - Files are uploaded and shared through a desktop program rather than a website. It is possible for anyone with internet access and P2P applications to upload and share files from their device without a central server.

Misconceptions

Uploading is sometimes incorrectly referred to as copying or moving files between the exact same computer. Copying a file on a computer to another drive or folder is simply 'copying' and not uploading. Uploading would be sending the file to a different computer.