Internet download and upload speeds are measured in bits per second bps , with most residential connections in megabits per second Mbps. Most internet service providers ISP offer various plans and typically charge higher prices for the fastest speeds available. But over the last decade, the average residential internet speeds in the US have increased rapidly, to the point where your ISP's top-tier plans may offer more than you need. This article will help you make sense of what a good download and upload speed are for everyday tasks so you can pick the internet plan that best suits your needs.
According to the Federal Communications Commission FCC , a broadband internet connection in the United States needs to provide a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps and a minimum upload speed of 3 Mbps to qualify as broadband.
Download speeds of 10 Mbps per person are for basic tasks like web surfing and email. However, bandwidth-intensive activities like video streaming Netflix, etc. Bandwidth and internet speed are often used interchangeably but refer to two different aspects of internet performance.
Bandwidth refers to the capacity of an individual connection, while speed is the measure of information transfers. Whereas high download speeds are great for downloading large files and streaming from services like Netflix, good upload speeds are essential for activities like video chat or broadcasting live stream video.
While Skype recommends upload speeds of 1. You can find out how fast your internet connection is by using an internet speed test site like Speedtest or SpeedOf. If you find that your speeds are below the targets set by your ISP, there are a few things you can do:.
For smaller households, an internet connection that provides a Mbps download speed is quite fast. Cable and fiber-optic connections are your best options for the fastest internet speeds, with many providers offering plans up to 1, Mbps in select areas.
To optimize your router for gaming , switch to the 5 GHz band, set up port forwarding, and enable QoS delivery. Using a wired connection for gaming is almost always better than connecting wirelessly. Netflix and similar services recommend 5. Streaming sites automatically adjust the video quality to match your internet speed.
Ways to boost your Wi-Fi signal include relocating your router, changing the channel and frequency, updating the firmware, upgrading the antennas, and adding a signal amplifier. Alternatively, upgrade your router or invest in a Wi-Fi extender. How to fix it: Using a wired Ethernet connection will almost always give you a faster, more reliable connection. Try using a wired connection if you need fast, stable upload speeds for an important meeting or school project. A wired connection isn't always practical and Wi-Fi is much more convenient, so there will often be times when Wi-Fi is your only option.
There are a number of ways to improve your Wi-Fi connection , such as elevating your router or repositioning the antennas. An equipment upgrade is also an effective way to improve your Wi-Fi speeds.
If you're not sure where to start with purchasing a new router, see our list of the best Wi-Fi routers. And for better whole-home Wi-Fi connectivity, consider upgrading to a dual-band mesh router system. There's only so much bandwidth available. When you have multiple video conferences going at once, they may all be competing with one another, bringing down everyone's available upload speeds.
While simultaneous meetings or class participation can be unavoidable, try to stagger meetings and limit the number of connected devices whenever possible. How to fix it: Aside from strategically scheduling meeting times to accommodate everyone in your household, make sure your router is set to broadcast 2.
There's likely to be less clutter on your 5GHz band, allowing for better connection quality and faster upload speeds. Additionally, upgrading your internet plan or provider to one with faster max upload speeds will help ensure there is enough to go around. Believe it or not, uploading files and participating in video calls contribute to your monthly data usage just the same as downloading files or streaming TV.
Depending on your provider, exceeding your data limit can result in throttled speeds for the remainder of your billing cycle. This is likely to only be an issue if you have satellite internet. HughesNet and Viasat will drastically reduce speeds once a customer has surpassed their monthly data allowance. Select DSL and cable internet providers may also have data caps, but most will charge an overage fee instead of throttling your speeds.
How you can fix it: If you have a monthly data cap, it's best to monitor your activity throughout the billing cycle to avoid going over. HughesNet customers can purchase additional data in 3, 5, 10 or 25GB blocks, which will restore their speeds until the next billing cycle or the extra data is used. Viasat does not offer additional data packets for purchase, but Viasat plans are likely to come with more data that similarly priced HughesNet plans.
Of course, your best option is to choose a provider with no data cap, or at least one that won't throttle your speeds for going over your limit. You'll still want to keep an eye on your data usage, however, as excessive data use could violate your service term agreement, which may result in service interruption. Looking for more ways to improve your internet connection? Visit the CNET internet hub page for more articles featuring all things related to your home internet service.
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Upload vs download speeds: what's the difference? Hyperoptic Team 24 May What is upload speed used for? How do I know what upload speed I have? How can I improve my upload speed? Get ready for hyperfast streaming, chatting, and sharing with Hyperoptic. Related articles.
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