(866) 996-2797All About Internet Speeds
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The need for speed seems to be growing by the minute. Is it because we have become impatient? Perhaps we want to erase the word “wait” from our dictionaries.
Let’s face it, nobody likes waiting - our fast-paced lives have no room for pauses and delays. Fast internet is the least we expect in this technologically advanced era.
What is Internet Speed?
Internet speed can be defined as the time it takes data to travel between the user’s device and the web server in a given time. The overall speed of your internet connection relies on various factors, which we will discuss in detail.
To understand internet speed better, it helps to know how it is measured and how much you need.
Units to measure Internet Speed
Internet Speed is typically measured in bps (bits per second)
- Kbps (kilobits per second)
1 Kbps = 1 thousand bits per second - Mbps (megabits per second)
1 Mbps = 1 million bits per second - Gbps (gigabits per second)
1 Gbps = 1 billion bits per second
P.S: Most internet plans today quote speeds in Mbps, as speeds in Kbps are considered too slow by modern standards. Gig-speed plans for ultra-fast internet use Gbps as a measuring unit for speed.
Internet Speed can also be measured in bytes per second (Bps)
1 Byte = 8 bits
- KB/s (kilobyte per second)
1KB/s = 1 thousand bytes per second OR 8 thousand bits per second - MB/s (megabyte per second)
1MB/s = 1 million bytes per second OR 8 million bits per second - GB/s (gigabyte per second)
1GB/s = 1 billion bytes per second OR 8 billion bits per second
Common Terminologies to Understand Internet Speed
When it comes to internet speed, faster is always better. That being said, do you know what makes your internet fast? Let’s talk about some common terminologies that will elaborate and simplify the concept of internet speed for you:
Upload Speed
The upload speed refers to how fast you can upload files or data to an external server through your internet connection. For example, if you are uploading a video to your YouTube channel, your internet’s upload speed will determine how fast the task reaches completion.
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Upload speeds are normally much lower than download speeds, unless you’re connected to a 100% fiber-optic network offering symmetrical speeds.
Download Speed
How fast you can download or receive data from an external source over the network is your connection’s download speed. The speed advertised by most ISPs or included in internet plans is in fact the maximum download speed delivered to the user.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is often assumed as the overall speed of the internet, so let’s clear the confusion once and for all. Speed is the rate at which the data is transferred and bandwidth is the maximum amount of data your network can carry or handle at any given time.
The higher the bandwidth, the greater the number of devices that can connect to your network seamlessly.
Latency
Latency is the time your device takes to send and receive a signal to and from the server. High latency translates to delays in data transfer, which is why gamers in particular favor internet with the lowest possible latency. Switching to a fiber-based network can help reduce latency.
Ping
The terms “Ping” and “Latency” are often used interchangeably due to their similar meaning. While latency is the time required for a data packet to travel from host to recipient, ping is the interval between request
Things that Affect the Speed and Quality of Internet
The speed and quality of your connection largely depend upon the internet equipment installed at your place. Below are the key components of your network that affect the overall performance:
Modem
A modem is a device that connects your home to your designated ISP. Modems have a speed limit, which is why many older models do not fully support high-speed internet plans.
You may need to replace an outdated or aging modem to experience the maximum speed potential of your internet connection.
Router
The router manages traffic on your network, so it has to be accommodating and efficient. Old-fashioned routers lack in capacity, and thereby significantly reduce the speed incoming from your ISP.
Modern-day routers are designed to get the most out of the speed delivered by your ISP and amplify Wi-Fi coverage.
Wi-Fi
The greater the distance between you and the Wi-Fi source, the worse the signal. You may also experience Wi-Fi dead zones around the house due to signal interference or blockage.
A high-quality router with additional equipment can be used to improve Wi-Fi coverage.
Ethernet
When the Wi-Fi isn’t working out for you, switching to ethernet can help achieve more stability and speed.
Internet-heavy activities like gaming, HD streaming, and video conferencing proceed more smoothly on a wired connection; hence, connecting your device to the router via a suitable ethernet cable is recommended.
Fiber Optic Cables
Fiber-optic cables offer more bandwidth than traditional copper cables, which allows them to transmit data at greater speeds. They are relatively resistant to external interference, which results in faster and better quality internet.
Speed provided by Internet Service Providers
If your internet’s performance seems questionable out of the blue, it could be because of a back-end problem. Before you look into replacing any of your equipment, check the speed you are getting from your ISP.
You rarely get the maximum speed quoted in the internet plan, but too much discrepancy is not to be tolerated. Report the issue to your provider ASAP; if they don’t resolve it soon enough, consider ditching them for a better service.
What internet speed do you need?
Now you know what internet speed is all about, but how much do you need? The optimal speed for you depends upon your day-to-day online activities.
If you’re sharing your network with several people, the bandwidth gets distributed – do take that into account when choosing your internet plan.
0 - 5 Mbps
Adequate for browsing social media, internet surfing, emails, streaming music
No. of Users: 1 - 2
5 - 40 Mbps
Suitable for casual streaming, voice & video calling, mobile games, online shopping
No. of Users: 3- 4
40 - 100 Mbps
Works for video conferencing, HD streaming, online gaming, downloading large files
No. of Users: 5 - 7
100 - 500 Mbps
4K and high-quality streaming, multiplayer gaming, downloading multiple files simultaneously
No. of Users: 8 - 10
500 Mbps+
All activities mentioned above (more efficiently and smoothly) on multiple devices per person.
No. of Users: 10+
Speed by Connection Types
Different types of internet connections have distinct speed capacities. Once you understand your internet needs, it gets easier to choose between available connection types.
| Connection Type | Max. Download Speed |
|---|---|
| Fiber Internet | Up to 8,000 Mbps |
| Cable Internet | Up to 2,000 Mbps |
| DSL Internet | Up to 100 Mbps |
| 5G Internet | Up to 20 Gbps |
| Satellite Internet | Up to 25 Mbps |
How to Improve Your Internet Speed?
If signing up with a new internet provider seems too much or too soon right now, you should start with smaller steps to improve your network speed.
Let’s talk about some quick fixes you can try before calling in a professional to take a look.
Tips & Tricks to Tweak Internet Speed
- Reboot or reset the router
- Relocate or reposition the router
- Reduce physical/electromagnetic interference
- Clear cache
- Close background apps and programs
- Adjust the router’s antennas
- Update your modem and router firmware
- Switch to an alternate Wi-Fi channel
- Remove malware
- Switch from Wi-Fi to ethernet
- Update your device/computer software
Top Internet Service Providers by Speed in the US
Looking to connect with an uber-fast connection? You might want to look into fiber internet plans. If you can’t get fiber optic, cable internet is next in line for stable and high-speed connectivity.
DSL, while not as popular in terms of speed, is pretty reliable in comparison to wireless connections. When push comes to shove, you have to make do with whatever you have at hand, so go for satellite internet as the last resort.
*For 12 months with AutoPay. Offers subject to availability. Price subject to change after the promotional period. Taxes & Fees not included. Enrollment in autopay and paperless billing required.
*Autopay & Paperless Bill req’d. Limited availability in select areas. Call or go to att.com/getfiber to ck eligibility. Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply.
*Everyday low price. No annual contract. See
Download Speeds Up to 75 Mbps - Up to 1,200 Mbps (subject to availability)
Cable
$19.99 to $90.00* (varies by location)
*Taxes not included. Additional equipment fee may apply. Automatic payments and paperless billing required
Download Speeds Up to 300 Mbps - Up to 1 Gbps** (wireless speeds may vary)
Cable
$49.99 to $79.99*
*For 24 mos
**Price for Gig speed additional. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit spectrum.net/support/internet/compliant-modems-charter-network. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
See for terms and conditions.
*For 1 year. Plus installation, activation, modem rental, taxes & fees. Advertised price includes a $10/mo credit for autopay & paperless billing.
Download Speeds Up to 300 Mbps - Up to 8000 Mbps (in select markets)
Cable, Fiber
$40/mo. to $280/mo.*
*For 12 months. Additional taxes, fees and other charges apply. Auto Pay and Paperless Billing included. Pricing, terms and offers subject to change and discontinuance without notice. Wired connection speeds. Wi-Fi speeds may vary. All services not available in all areas.
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Additional Resources
What is Latency & How Does Fiber Internet Improve It?
Best Internet Providers for Gaming in 2024
Top Internet Providers with Parental Control Options
LocalCableDeals - Broadband Customer Satisfaction Report 2024
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