How Much Speed Do You Really Need?

In today’s hyper-connected society, high-speed internet access is essential for staying connected at work, home, and play. Whether you’re participating in Zoom meetings, uploading pictures to Instagram, or dominating a game of Wordle, fast internet speeds are key to a seamless online experience.

But how much speed do you really need? If you’re planning to install new internet service or upgrade your existing plan, understanding your actual speed requirements can help ensure you get the best performance without overpaying.

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We all use the internet differently—heavy-duty gamers need faster speeds than those who only browse the web. Similarly, a family of four will likely need more speed than a single user.

A good rule of thumb is that download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps are generally sufficient for most online activities. At 100 Mbps, you can stream 4K videos on multiple devices, download large files for work, and enjoy HD gaming on several laptops or smartphones simultaneously.

Assessing Your Speed Needs

When determining your internet speed requirements, consider how your network will be used and by how many people. If you primarily use the internet for browsing, you may not need a lot of speed. However, if you work from home or have multiple users as a small to medium business, faster speeds are essential.

It’s also important to remember that internet usage is cumulative. The more devices connected to your router, the more speed and bandwidth you will need. According to networking firm Cisco, every person will have 13.6 connected devices by 2023, and the number of connected devices worldwide will be over three times the global population.

Understanding Internet Speeds

Is Gigabit Internet Worth It?

Gigabit internet can be valuable if you frequently use a lot of bandwidth or share your Wi-Fi with multiple colleagues. However, it tends to be expensive and exceeds the needs of most average users.

For those primarily engaged in activities like checking email, streaming HD video, and participating in video conferences via Zoom or Skype, gigabit speeds are not essential, as these tasks require significantly less bandwidth. Conversely, some activities demand much higher speeds and benefit greatly from gigabit internet, including:

• Streaming video in 4K
• Hosting livestreams
• Downloading large files
• Uploading large files or backing up hard drives to cloud servers

Does the Number of Devices Make a Difference?

When determining the right internet speed for your business, the number of people and devices using your Wi-Fi is crucial. If you share your work environment with a few colleagues, for instance, you need sufficient speed to support each individual’s laptops and, smartphones., and gaming consoles. Additionally, your bandwidth should accommodate background devices, such as smart office technology.

How Many People Use Your Internet Connection?

A practical guideline is to aim for at least 25 Mbps for each person in your office. For example, if you work with three others, a 100 Mbps connection would be ideal to ensure smooth performance for everyone.

Internet Bandwidth vs. Speed

Though often used interchangeably, internet speed and bandwidth are distinct concepts. If the internet is a road and data are cars, speed refers to how fast the cars travel, while bandwidth represents the number of available lanes.

To illustrate, imagine 100 cars all moving at the same speed. You’ll receive your data more quickly if those cars are on a five-lane highway compared to a one-lane road. This analogy highlights the importance of having both adequate speed and sufficient bandwidth to ensure a smooth online experience, especially in offices with multiple users and devices.

Are Your Speeds Fast Enough?

To check if your speeds are adequate, you can use a speed test tool. This will show your download and upload speeds, along with latency (ping) and jitter. You can test your speed here which are available for free on both laptops and smartphones.

Troubleshooting Slow Internet

If your speeds aren’t meeting your needs, try these troubleshooting tips:

• Restart Your Equipment: Sometimes a simple restart of your computer, modem, or router can resolve speed issues.
• Move Your Router: Place your router in a central location away from walls and other obstacles to improve signal strength.
• Upgrade Your Router: Older routers may not support faster speeds. Consider upgrading to a router that supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).
• Connect via Ethernet: For a more stable connection, plug your computer directly into the router using an Ethernet cable.
• Use a Mesh Router System: If you have a large home, a mesh router system can help extend your Wi-Fi signal.

How Much Speed Do You Have?

Before deciding on a new internet plan, find out your current download and upload speeds using a speed test tool. Regularly checking your speeds will help you determine if you’re getting the service you’re paying for and if your connection is suitable for activities like 4K streaming. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right internet speed isn’t as simple as it seems. Consider the number of devices and users in your office, as well as your specific online activities. If you’re streaming and browsing, you may not need a lot of speed. However, for 4K streaming, and multiple connected devices, you’ll need higher bandwidth.

Regularly check your speeds to ensure you’re getting what you pay for. If not, it may be time to upgrade your plan or switch providers. Huge Connect offers a range of high-speed internet options to meet your needs and ensure a seamless online experience. Contact us today to find the perfect plan for your business.