Having fast internet involves more than just buying the best internet package offered by your internet service provider. Sometimes, after buying the best package possible, it can feel like you’re still not getting the fast internet that you hoped for. This is because many factors can go into having fast internet speeds.
Having fast internet is the product of selecting a good internet offering, investing in proper hardware, and finding a solid working location in proximity to your router.
Selecting The Best Offering
Of course, choosing the correct service to meet your internet needs in the first order of business for fast internet. Let’s define a few terms to help you make the right decision.
Upload speed
Refers to the maximum speed that your internet service package provides when uploading data. Some tasks that utilize upload speeds are online gaming, video conferencing, and emailing. Both upload and download speeds are measured in megabits per second (mbps).
Download speed
Refers to the maximum speed that your package provides when downloading content. Download speeds are relevant in online gaming, video conferencing, streaming your favorite movies and nearly every other internet based activity you can think of.
Bandwidth
Refers to the amount of data that can be sent through your internet connection within a certain finite period of time. Think of bandwidth as a pipe for flowing water. The bigger the pipe the more water you can pass through in a short amount of time.
When you are choosing an internet package, consider the typical activities that you use the internet for. Make sure you know how critical an connection is to your tasks. If you are choosing a package for your business, ask your service provider about guaranteed speeds because the speeds that are “offered” in your package are not necessarily what you will get all of the time. For instance, peak hours (i.e. when everyone is home from work) on a home internet service will usually mean slower speeds and sharing internet resources throughout the neighborhood.
