Internet service is all about speed. Computers and mobile devices connected to the internet transfer information to each other in electronic packets also called a unit of data. The data transferred through an internet connection in a specific time frame is that connection’s internet speed. For example, you could stream a video with slow internet speed, but you’ll be watching it two frames at a time – which is incredibly frustrating.
Not all devices require the same amount of speed to operate. Regardless, the ideal internet speed for all devices is usually faster than the minimum requirements. In general, good internet speed is 30 Mbps or megabits per second.
Testing your Speed
Knowing your internet speed and how it compares to these recommendations can help you get the most out of your connection. For example, an online casino game on mobile requires a minimum of 6 Mbps but may need 25 Mbps for optimal performance. Since speed is so vital to your internet activities, you should test it regularly to ensure your internet provider is keeping its end of the bargain. If you’re unhappy with your current speed, look for promotional offers from your internet service provider, so you’ll have more money and browse faster.
Internet Connection Based on Type
Some internet connections aren’t able to achieve that maximum out-put you want. It’s essential to know the difference between each type to know if your slow internet is due to your package, or the internet connection you have.
Dial-Up
The first kind of internet. It established an internet connection by calling your ISP using a landline. This ties up your phone line and is considered very slow. Unfortunately, most rural areas can only get this kind of internet service. Dial-up speeds max out at 56 Kbps (0.56 Mbps), but they usually perform slower.
Ideal for: Nothing. Everything that you try to use will be incredibly slow.
Fixed-Wireless
Similar technology to satellite internet, but the middle point is a tower instead. Cuts down latency compared to satellite, but the speed ranges are extensive and broad (1-100 Mbps). It isn’t as affected by the weather as satellite, but a signal can still be disrupted if something gets in the way of the transmission signal.
Ideal for: Web browsing, email, social media, streaming video slowly.
Satellite
Similar to fixed wireless, it uses a signal from your home to a satellite and back to a network base. Finally, it delivers the internet through cables. It has high latency issues compared to other types because of traveling so far, and your signal can get disrupted from severe weather or equipment malfunction.
Ideal for: Web browsing, email, social media, streaming video slowly, streaming music, one-on-one video calls. Expect delays with downloading.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
Uses phone cables, and it is often slower than cable or fiber but can still reach top speeds of Mbps like satellite and fixed-wireless. DSL doesn’t have congestion issues similar to cable, but signals will degrade over long distances. The trick with DSL is that it can be quite fast, as long as your home is close to a network hub
Ideal for: Web browsing, email, social media. Can handle more massive video calls if close to networking hub. Online gaming and SD video are rarely slow.
Cable
Cable internet is the most common form. It uses buried copper cables to deliver the internet and cable television to your home. Its top speeds can rival fiber internet, but it can’t handle the same amount of traffic. Ensure that fewer people are on the computer, mobile device, and game console at one time, and you’ll achieve max speeds.
Ideal for: Everything – but keep usage per-person down.
Fiber
Fiber, or fiber optics, has the highest speed cap of any other internet connection. It offers large amounts of bandwidth and low latency issues because it uses light signals that won’t degrade over time. Although fiber optic is a fantastic bit of technology, it isn’t available in all areas, or they use a cable connection to hook up fiber optics to their modem.
Ideal for: Everything
Recommendation Per Device
| Device | Speed |
| 1 Mbps | |
| Streaming Music on One Device | 1 Mbps |
| Searching Google | 1 Mbps |
| One-on-one Video Calls | 5 Mbps |
| Streaming SD video on One Device | 5 Mbps |
| Web Browsing | 5 Mbps |
| Social Media | 10 Mbps |
| Online Gaming for One | 10 Mbps |
| Streaming HD Videos on One Device | 10 Mbps |
| Video Conference Calls | 10 Mbps |
| Multiplayer Online Gaming | 25 Mbps |
| Streaming HD Videos on More Than One Device | 35 Mbs |
| Downloading Files Quickly | 300 Mbs |
| Streaming video in UHD on Multiple Screen | 400 Mbs |
| Gaming online on More Than One Device | 500 Mbs |
| Doing a Lot of Anything | 500 – 1000+ Mbps |
