Download speed refers to how many megabits of data per second it takes to download data from a server in the form of images, videos, text, files and audio. Activities such as listening to music on Spotify, downloading large files or streaming videos on Netflix all require you to download data.
In general, speeds of at least 25 Mbps are considered good download speeds since they meet the minimum broadband threshold set by the Federal Communication Commission FCC. Upload speed refers to how many megabits of data per second you can send information from your computer to another device or server on the internet. While downloading information is more common, some online activities need data to travel in the opposite direction.
If you or anyone in your household regularly uploads videos to YouTube or works from home , though, you may need a plan with higher upload speeds. Bandwidth is kind of like a highway — the more lanes you have, the more room you give to traveling cars, which lets cars go faster and allows a higher volume of cars through to their destination.
Mbps is a good indicator of how much bandwidth your home Wi-Fi connection has. The more internet bandwidth you have, the higher your volume of data that can be downloaded at a reasonable pace. And you can increase the speed at which the data travels because more of it can flow.
When you consider what internet speeds you need for various activities , you should take into account both download and upload speeds. Depending on what your favorite online activities are, one may be more important than the other. Many internet providers offer internet plans with faster download speeds than upload.
The internet speed you need depends heavily on your online activities and how many internet users you have at home. As you think about what activities you use the internet for at home, you may decide that having fast upload speeds is more important than download speeds.
Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. Most providers focus on download speed vs. Since other activities that call for uploading data still require information to travel in both directions, the average person consistently needs higher download speeds than upload. Checking your Download net speed just means the server sends packets of binary files to the computer.
Be aware that many sites use Flash to transport their data. No loss of data makes for a faster, cleaner test. The Upload process is similar but reversed. On the upload test, your computer is sending info to the server from the device. The device grabs generic bits of data and transfers it to the server. Most ISPs have an advertised max of 1, Mbps.
Typically the fastest residential tests are around Mbps. Anything between 3 and 25 Mbps is still considered fast. Slow Speed Internet — anything below 3 Mbps. Typical speeds are measured in Kilobits per second as opposed to Megabits. Wi-Fi is an alternative to a wired connection , not its own separate internet service. If you use a Wi-Fi connection, expect download and upload speeds to be half or less than your plan's max advertised speeds, which are intended for a wired connection.
Range and obstructions can be issues when using Wi-Fi as well. The farther you move away from your router, or if you move to a different room or floor, the lower your upload speeds are likely to be. 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.
Enter your zip code to see what providers are available in your area. Author - Peter Christiansen. Peter Christiansen writes about satellite internet, rural connectivity, livestreaming, and parental controls for HighSpeedInternet. Peter holds a PhD in communication from the University of Utah and has been working in tech for over 15 years as a computer programmer, game developer, filmmaker, and writer.
Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital space for seven years, and she's edited all things internet for HighSpeedInternet. When she's not editing, she makes tech accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span. What is a good download speed?
What is a good upload speed? What is a good Wi-Fi speed? What is download speed? What is upload speed? Download speed is generally more important than upload speed Although we constantly both download and upload information online, for most of us, the information we upload is generally much smaller.
How do I know if I need more speed?
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