There are many decisions and considerations to make when it comes to choosing the best internet plan for your home. With so many providers, plans, prices and speeds it can often become overwhelming trying to pick the right service. That’s why today we will look at one of the most important considerations when choosing a plan: internet speed.
Figuring out the right internet speed for your home is an important starting point when choosing a plan for a couple of reasons. If you select a plan that does not offer a fast enough speed, you will not be able to run the programs or number of devices that you wish to. On the other hand, if you select a plan with a higher speed than you require you will often end up unnecessarily paying for a more costly service. Understanding how fast of an internet connection you need will allow you to balance the right speed at the best price.
But first, what exactly is internet speed?
Internet speed (measured in megabits per second or Mbps) refers to how much data and information can be accessed from the web at a single time over a single connection. A higher Mbps allows you to run taxing programs (such as streaming 4K videos) as well as multiple devices without experiencing lag or latency (a delay in connection).
Upload speed and download speed are other measurements of internet speed. Upload speed refers to how quickly your connection sends data to a server, while download speed refers to how fast your connection accesses information from the server. The time it takes data to upload and download through your connection is known as ping time. A lower ping indicates a faster connection (more on this later).
In short, internet speed is an indication of how much you can do on the internet without experiencing lag. The goal then, is to choose a plan with the right Mbps for your online activities.
So, how do I know how much speed I need?
As mentioned above the amount of speed you need depends on your usage. More specifically, the number of devices being used at one time as well as the types of content being accessed. Below is a list of common online activities as well as their estimated download speed requirements (Mbps) according to the FCC:
This table is a good starting place in estimating how much Mbps your internet usage requires. The next consideration is how many devices will be using your connection at the same time. Using the table above, take the following examples of potential household internet usage:
1. A household of one that works from home during the day and streams 4k at night: 25 Mbps during the day, 25 Mbps during the night = a minimum internet speed of 25 Mbps.
2. A household of two that work from home during the day: 25 Mbps + 25 Mbps during the day = a minimum internet speed of 50 Mbps.
3. A household of four where 2 people work from home and 2 people attend online classes during the day: 25 Mbps x 2 people + 25 Mbps x 2 people during the day = a minimum internet speed of 100 Mbps.
While the above examples are oversimplified, it demonstrates how you can estimate your household’s internet usage to find your required internet speed. It is best to calculate your minimum internet speed requirement during the peak usage of your household (i.e. when the most devices and taxing online activities are in use). Once you have a rough estimate of your required internet speed, it is then time to compare plans and providers in your area.
| Online Activity | Minimum Mbps |
| General Browsing/Emai | 1 |
| Social Media | 1 |
| File Downloads | 10 |
| Remote Learning | 5-25 |
| Work From Home | 5-25 |
| Streaming Standard Definition Video | 3-4 |
| Streaming HD Video | 5-8 |
| Streaming 4K Video | 25 |
| Game Console w/ Internet | 3 |
| Online Multiplayer | 4 |
How do I know what my current internet speed is?
Whether you are unhappy with your current connection or are preparing for an upcoming move, knowing your current internet speed can be a great benchmark in choosing your next internet plan. Smart Connection offers a free internet speed test tool that allows you to get real time metrics on how your connection is performing.
The speed test measures ping, which is how long it takes a data packet to upload and download from an online server. Think of this as two people playing catch: upload speed is how long it takes the ball (the data packet) to reach your partners glove, while the download speed is how long it takes your partner to throw the ball back to you. With internet speed this game of catch happens in milliseconds, and the quicker the data packet moves between the two the better the internet connection.
By running this test, you will be able to understand how your upload time, download time (Mbps) and ping are currently performing. With this information you can make the best decision in picking a plan that gives you the right speed internet at the best price.
Other Considerations
Understanding Mbps is an important component in choosing the best internet speed, however, there are other factors that may affect the efficiency of your internet’s performance.
1. Not all connections types are created equal: Connection type refers to how an internet signal is delivered to your home. Popular connections include fiber-optic, cable and satellite.
Generally speaking, fiber-optic offers the most reliable internet connection, however, is limited in availability to certain cities as of now. Cable internet is widely available across many urban areas and offers a reliable connection although not as reliable as fiber. Satellite, while not as consistent as a fiber or cable connection, is not tied to a physical network and is available almost anywhere.
In short, fiber is generally the best option if it is available at your address, cable is a great option in areas where fiber is not yet available, and satellite connections are best for residents in rural or remote areas.
2. Router placement matters: A wi-fi router is a piece of equipment that sends a wi-fi internet signal across your home. Poor placement of your router can lead to complications in maintaining a steady internet signal.
Ideally, aim to place your router in a central, unobstructed location in your home. Physical barriers such as brick can weaken signal. Similarly, other electronics such as microwaves can interfere with wi-fi, so try and avoid placing your router near these items.
3. More internet traffic equals slower speeds: As discussed above, the more devices in use at the same time within your home will require higher Mbps. This concept can also be applied on a larger scale, encompassing your neighbors and other households. Peak hours, such as the evening when many people are home using internet, can result in slower internet speeds across a community. While this is not always the case, it is useful to know when selecting a plan for your home.
With the knowledge of how Mbps works, as well as the considerations above, begin shopping for the best internet deals in your area.
