why when uploading does surfing slow down?

[Mattk]

Often I upload files via bit torrent and whilst doing this my net surfing speds slow dramatically.
i understand that my upload bandwidth is fully used up but as my download bandwidth is still fully available why is this?

[fo3nix]

When browsing, you don't just download.

You're using the TCP/IP protocol. A protocol is a way to converse, and a conversation is two-way.

When you type a URL in your browser, your browser sends to request to your ISPs servers, their DNS servers etc., which means uploading. Only then can they grab the content and send it to you (i.e., downloading).

[ACtheTROLL]

Don't forget packets as well

full duplex is actually just very fast switched simplex

It's also the same if you copy to/from a folder at the same time (which you are)

all the packets can arrive/send with the sequence jumbled ... part of the process is to sort and stich them together in the right order - (yes that's right) and that takes time

the routing or switched elements still need time to sort things - which takes time and eack packet uses the pipe in turn which takes time.

crosstalk increases ... so packet repeat goes up .... they could write books about it ...... oh yes that's right .... they have.

mattk - unless you want a 500 page answer ...(and I'm not being patronising - honest) its just the way it is

[Mattk]

cheers fellas