What Are the Different Types of Internet Speed?
Fast internet speed is essential for streaming 4K videos, working from home or simply checking your email on the go. But understanding the different terms used to describe speeds can be confusing.
Your internet connection’s speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Knowing these numbers can help you decide the best plan for your household.
1. Bandwidth
Your internet connection’s speed is often determined by the bandwidth available on your device. A sufficient bandwidth ensures that devices can download and upload information quickly.
Bandwidth is the maximum data transfer rate a connection can handle in a certain period of time, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps). It’s often mistaken for network speed but they actually refer to the same thing.
To simplify things, imagine bandwidth as the pipe or hose of a communications system. The larger this pipe or hose, the greater its volume capacity and thus how quickly information can move through it.
Your internet speed is determined by a combination of bandwidth and latency. Bandwidth indicates how much data can be sent over a connection, while latency measures how long it takes that data to travel between your computer and its source. Combining high bandwidth with low latency equals faster internet.
2. Latency
Lagncy can drastically slow down your internet connection speed in several ways. It could be an issue when playing online games, surfing the web or video chatting with friends.
Latency on the internet refers to the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to its corresponding server and back again. It’s usually measured in milliseconds (ms).
The amount of latency you experience can be caused by a number of factors. These include distance, propagation delay and the type of internet connection you are using.
Fiber optic cables, for instance, have slower light travel rates than copper or wireless cables and so the longer your route, the longer this light must travel – leading to increased latency.
You may experience latency issues if you use a satellite internet connection, which is commonly available outside major cities. If this is the case for you, check your router for any errors or other problems which could be causing the delay to increase.
3. Number of Devices
When optimizing your internet speed, the number of devices connected to it should be taken into account. This includes laptops, gaming consoles and even kitchen gadgets that may use up some data.
Every device on your network reduces bandwidth by a fraction, as computers and other tools share limited resources.
Wireless routers or access points can support up to 250 devices simultaneously, but it’s important not to overload your network.
Calculating your internet speed is easy: just divide the number of devices in your home by the maximum data usage. Usually, results fall between 25 Mbps and 50 Mbps; however, depending on individual needs it may vary.
4. Speed Test
A speed test can measure your connection’s maximum upload and download speeds by accessing nearby test servers that simulate online activity. This can help identify any problems with your internet service provider.
Most speed tests also include a measurement of latency, or ping. This refers to the time it takes for your device to send a signal to a distant server and receive an answer. It’s essential to be aware that latency plays an integral role in determining the quality of your internet experience.
It’s essential to remember that download speeds are far more significant than upload speeds when it comes to determining your internet connection’s quality. This is because faster downloads enable buffer-less streaming, lag-less gaming and high-quality video chat.