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The Internet and its speed are what matter the most today. However, it can be challenging to figure out which internet speed is suited to your consumption. And if you're facing that issue, our detailed guide covers all the FAQs regarding internet speeds. So, keep reading to find out more.
It'll be unfair to say that standard internet speeds apply to every individual's consumption because it doesn't. The average internet speed for a person can only be gauged by looking at the activities of that particular person.
For example, the Internet speed required by a gamer differs from the speed of the Internet demanded by a streamer. The same goes for a business professional with regular meetings to attend.
But the good news is that you decide what internet speed is sufficient for your consumption. And in an average household of 4 people, 100 Mbps should be adequate for people who love to surf the Internet regularly.
The answer is no. 100 Mbps is the survival internet speed for a household of four. However, if you need a fast and smooth internet connection, it would help to get an internet package with an average speed of 200 to 300 Mbps. Then, whether you are a gamer, streamer, or student, you won't face any issues while surfing with this internet speed.
Lastly, it must not go without mentioning that you may face internet-related issues even with the 200 Mbps plan. Such situations are not every day, but they may occur when all your family members are on the Internet connection during peak hours.
Figuring out how much internet speed is enough internet speed is essential. And to make the process a little less daunting, we've made a chart of how much internet speed is sufficient for how many users and the activity types.
|
Internet Speed |
Number of Users |
Type of Activity |
|
5-20 Mbps |
1-2 Users |
|
|
20-40 Mbps |
1-3 Users |
|
|
40-100 Mbps |
2-4 Users |
|
|
100-500 Mbps |
2-5 Users |
|
|
500-1000 Mbps |
5 or more Users |
|
Like any other activity, the internet speed also differs while streaming different types of content. For instance, music streaming would require fewer Mbps than streaming video, and similarly, streaming regular videos requires less internet speed than streaming high-definition videos. Again, it all differs depending on the type of streaming you choose.
Even 3 Mbps of internet speed should be enough for you if you are about to stream music. Also, if you are going to stream a TV show or any other standard-resolution video, the 3 Mbps speed will accommodate your demands.
However, suppose you want to stream a high-definition 4k video. In that case, we suggest you get an internet package offering a smooth internet speed of at least 25 Mbps because 4k video streaming is not possible with anything less than 25 Mbps. And, if you try to push your slow Internet to stream a 4k video, you might not have too much success.
We know you're wondering what internet speed is ideal for using Netflix. An internet speed of 3 Mbps should do just fine to binge-watch your favorite shows. Depending on the stream type, you can stream with internet packages as low as 3 Mbps and as high as 25 Mbps.
Online gaming and streaming are the new normal of this modern era. Of course, it is essential to have a top-notch computer for regular gaming, but internet speed matters the most for online gaming.
Generally, a good internet package offering 5 to 10 Mbps of internet speed is suitable for online gaming. But, if you wish to have a career in online gaming and want to take your gaming experience to the next level, it would help get internet packages with at least 10 to 25 Mbps of speed.
With this kind of Internet, your game never lags, and there are minimal chances of losing to your opponents. But is internet speed everything for online gaming? No, it is not; along with good internet speed, ping time and latency matter for online gaming. So, look at these two things, too, if you want to experience lag-free online games.
However, if you play through your Xbox or PlayStation, even 5 Mbps would be enough.
If the time to transfer data from source to destination is high, the game you are playing may lag. So, it is essential to check latency if you want to enjoy lag-free and smooth gaming. It would help if you took higher speed plans as they offer less data transfer time and low latency.
If you ask for the best internet technology for online gaming, we recommend choosing either a fiber optic or cable internet connection. Both of these types connected directly to your PC (Personal Computer) via Ethernet cable ensure ping time and latency are low.
Also, there are minimum chances of connection loss in these types of internet connections. On the other hand, many people prefer satellite internet, but it comes with higher ping time and latency. In addition, the distance between the source and the destination affects signals, eventually aggravating the ping time. Also, some electrical devices like microwave ovens can affect the signals of your satellite internet as both of them run on the same frequency.
If DSL is not available in the countryside, then there is no better option than a fixed wireless internet connection for gaming in rural areas. It connects you to the local tower, thus reducing the source-destination distance. Moreover, this type of Internet offers low latency as the irritants in this internet connection are minimal.
The only reason why satellite internet fails for gamers is its slow data response rate. Most of the modern era games work on the principles of Rapid Data Response Time, and this is what satellite internet fails to offer. Therefore, if you are a true gamer and want to succeed, avoid using satellite-based Internet for gaming.
If you are playing a multiplayer first-person shooting game, there are high chances that you'll be restricted from playing using a satellite-based internet connection. These games demand rapid data response time, which is what you won't ever get through the satellite internet connection.
The best way to improve your internet speed for gaming is by connecting your gaming PC directly to your DSL router via Ethernet. However, if this option is not available, you can improve the Internet by playing close to your WiFi. It'll improve the WiFi connection while reducing latency and ping time.
Also, you can use WiFi extenders to enhance your WiFi signals’ reach with ease. These are all the basic things you can do to improve your Internet.
Due to the pandemic, all of us were working from home. And as things get back to normal, working from home also becomes part of the new normal. Whether you are a student or work in the corporate world, everyone is learning to optimize their work situations, including a speedy internet connection.
The download speed of small and large files requires a good internet connection during classes and meetings. In this case, we recommend a speed of 25 Mbps and above so you can enjoy fast downloads.
The internet speed may vary depending on the app/software you use. The chart below contains information about some of the most commonly used apps/software and their required internet speed.
|
App |
Recommended Download Speed |
Recommended Upload Speed |
|
Zoom |
2 Mbps |
2 Mbps |
|
Cisco Webex |
0.5-2.5 Mbps |
0.5-3 Mbps |
|
GoToMeeting |
0.7-2 Mbps |
0.7-2 Mbps |
|
Slack |
0.2-4 Mbps |
0.1-0.6 Mbps |
|
Spotify |
0.1-0.3 Mbps |
N/A |
|
|
1 Mbps |
1 Mbps |
And if you're thinking, why do we recommend a download speed of 25 Mbps for WFH? These apps often underestimate the average internet speed you need to work smoothly. So, it's better to spend some money on a good internet connection rather than regretting it later.
There are many ways to boost your internet speed; we've listed the most hassle-free ones below:
WiFi needs to be secured by WPA2 settings with a complex password in urban societies. And you can restrict others from breaching your internet connection to enjoy fast internet speeds.
Automate a reboot schedule or disable old wireless protocols to optimize your router. It boosts internet speed.
Switch your router from a 2.4GHz WiFi Channel to a 5GHz channel to reduce interface and enhance internet speed.
Move your router to an elevated and clear spot for smooth signals. The stronger the signals, the better the internet speed.
If you have a DSL, there is no better way to improve internet performance than a wired Ethernet connection.
Resetting the router is a traditional and effective way to improve internet performance. It helps remove old data and make your router as fresh as new.
Indeed, other house members also use the internet connection, which can overwhelm the connection, especially during peak working. For this, upgrade the router to a 5GHz channel, and it'll help you separate the Internet into two different connections—one for work and the second for other activities.
You'll be able to prioritize your work, making it a primary network that receives a majority of the internet speed. As a result, you can enjoy fast speeds during work and still use it for other activities.
Spamming and hacking are common problems. Installing a firewall can protect your connection and secure your home network from any dangers or threats to keep your connection secure. In addition, you can encrypt WiFi signals, update the router's firmware or use a VPN, but ensure adequate home network security to keep your data safe.
And lastly, check out these internet packages for variety and convenience.
What is the Fastest Home Internet Speed?
The fastest internet speeds can range from 2000 Mbps to 5000 Mbps depending on the consumption and service provider.
What is Ping Time?
Ping time is how fast your connection transmits a packet of data to a web server and receives it back. It helps you run smooth games and video streams if the ping (latency) is less than 5 milliseconds.
What is Latency?
The quickness of data transfer from source to destination per unit time is latency. It helps you run a smooth internet connection to have a low latency.
What is Mbps?
Megabytes per second or Mbps is the unit in which internet speed is measured. It is more significant than Kbps and smaller than Gbps.