How To Pick The Right Internet Speed For You
Internet service providers can offer faster internet as technology develops. Though plans vary, typically, higher speeds cost more and selecting one that suits your needs can be a challenge. Read on for a guide on how to choose the right internet speed for you.
Look Into Bandwidth
Bandwidth is a measure of the amount of data exchanged over a connection in a given period. Measured in bits per second, eight megabits make up one megabyte (MB). For a connection with a one megabit-per-second (Mbps) bandwidth, it will take eight seconds to download a 1MB file.
Select Your Bandwidth
Your bandwidth requirements will depend on your internet usage as all devices on a connection share the allotted bandwidth. Streaming video and downloading large files generally consume a lot of data, use higher bandwidth, and can slow down other devices on that connection. If you have multiple data-hungry devices like smart TVs or many downloads on a single connection, you should consider a plan with higher bandwidth.
Define Your Usage
As internet speed depends on factors like your hardware setup, distance from the internet service provider (ISP), and your area’s network demand, your internet speed could differ from the speed for which you initially signed up. Considering how you use the internet is essential when choosing internet speed.
While a 1Mbps plan is suitable for casual surfing and checking emails, streaming video in HD quality will require a 5-8Mbps connection. For home office use with video conferencing or an online gaming setup, a 4Mbps plan should suffice. If you rely heavily on downloading large files, plans offering 50Mbps and above will suit your needs best.
Select Connection Type
Data speeds can vary depending on the kind of connection and technology used. Fast internet connections that ISPs offer can include:
Fiber-optic – connections using fiber-optic lines offer the most reliable and fast connections.
Digital subscriber line (DSL) – This connection uses traditional telephone wire as a medium to transfer data.
Cable – A cable connection makes use of existing television cable to transfer data.
Armed with this information, and after comparing all the available plans online, you can now choose an internet plan that suits your budget and usage needs efficiently.
