Understanding Internet Speeds And What You Really Need: More than 90 percent of homes in America have internet at this point based on recent reports. That’s up from barely more than 40 percent just 25 years ago. Of course, not all homes have the same type of internet. A variety of internet connections and numerous providers are available these days, and not all of them are created equal. Some people are so fed up with their current service that they’d almost rather not have internet at all.
Understanding internet speeds and how to determine what you really need is the key to making the most of this now-essential utility. From there, you’ll be able to get internet service that actually lives up to your expectations. Keep reading to learn more about different internet speeds and connections and how they affect functionality and reliability.
What Is Internet Speed?
When you’re talking about internet, speed refers to how quickly data is transferred from your internet to your devices and from your devices to the internet. It’s measured in Mbps or Gbps, which is megabits per second or gigabits per second. The higher the number, the faster the internet speed. How fast your internet is can effect several aspects of your online life. Those include how quickly web pages load, how smoothly streaming goes, how quickly and easily files upload or download, and how pleasant your online gaming experiences are to name a few.
How Fast Are Different Types of Internet?
Different ISPs offer varying internet speeds. Much of that is due to the types of internet connections they offer. DSL is essentially the next step up from dial-up internet. It uses conventional phone lines to bring internet into your home. Though it can be somewhat fast and reliable, it’s not the best option on the market. Cable internet is the most common type of connection at this point. It’s generally better than DSL, and it’s available in more areas than some other types of connections.
Satellite internet is also a common choice. Its speeds can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the weather, how many obstructions there are between the signal and your receiver, and where the satellite sending the internet signal is at any given time. Regardless, it’s usually slower than cable and fiber. Fiber internet is considered the best option available right now. It’s fast, reliable, and not affected by obstructions.
How Much Speed Do You Need?
Now, it’s time to delve deeper into just how much internet speed you might need. For light internet use, like browsing, email, and social media, you may only need 1 to 5 Mbps. That’s also the case if you only have 1 or 2 people in your home. For slightly larger households, those with more connected devices, and light streaming, you may need 5 to 10 Mbps. Heavy streaming and other internet use often requires 25 Mbps.
For working from home or online gaming, you may need you may need 50 Mbps or more. For those activities and multiple connected devices, you’re likely to need much higher speeds. That’s also the case if you have several internet users in your household and you’re operating a smart home. Higher speeds in those situations will give you less drag, better response times, and greater functionality.
Choosing the Right Internet Speed for You
Several factors can affect internet speeds, including the type of connection, how far you are from the source, and network congestion. Various aspects factor into how much speed you need as well, including the size of your household, how many connected devices you have, and your online activities. Understanding those factors can help you choose the right speed to meet your needs.