Internet speed refers to the speed which data or content travels from the World Wide Web to your home computer, tablet, or smartphone. The speed of this data is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). One megabit is equal to 1,024 kilobits. This conversion means 1.0 Mbps is more than 1,000 times faster than 1.0 kilobits per second (Kbps). High-speed Internet connection known as broadband (broad bandwidth) is defined by download speeds of at least 768 Kbps and upload speeds of at least 200 Kbps. The difference between download speeds and upload speeds can be explained in the following way: download speed refers to the rate that digital data is transferred from the Internet to your computer, while upload speed is the rate that online data is transferred from your computer to the Internet.
Broadband Internet can be provided by cable operators, telephone companies, or high-speed Internet service providers. Broadband Internet is one of the fastest Internet options available across the nation today. This specific type of high-speed Internet connection uses multiple data channels to send large quantities of information to and from Internet users.
What factors affect Internet speeds?
There are a number of factors that can affect Internet speeds or your connection to the Internet. The type of Internet connection you are currently using may play a role in Internet speeds. Examples of Internet connections include 3G wireless or 4G wireless, mobile, hotspots, modem or dial-up, broadband, DSL (digital subscriber line), cable, satellite, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), and more.
Sometimes, the capabilities of a website or an Internet network can affect speeds by capping off the limit that Internet users can download, upload, or stream data. Highly-trafficked websites can cause your Internet connection to run more slowly when visiting that specific domain. If a third party network has these types of Internet speed limitations in place, you may not be able to download or upload content at top-performing Internet speeds when visiting that particular website.
Additionally, your home computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone will need to meet the minimum system requirements advised by a high-speed Internet service provider. Internet speeds may vary based on the configuration and performance of computers, hardware, software, applications and other equipment systems. Running multiple devices off the same home network will increase the demand of your home's Internet system and may affect Internet speeds or Internet connection.
What is a good Internet speed?
A good Internet speed is relative to the specific user in need of a reliable Internet connection. Before determining the best Internet speeds for you, ask yourself the following questions:
Why will you use the Internet - for recreational activities or business projects? What are the intended reasons of your hourly, daily or monthly Internet usage? Are you streaming high-definition videos or downloading high-resolution photos? Do you prefer to chat with friends, use social networking, or casually surf the Internet?
No matter what the activities of your household may be, it is recommended that you pursue an Internet plan or service that can successfully meet your unique needs. Certain household and handheld devices or mobile applications may require high-speed Internet to perform best. Perhaps you want consistently fast speeds, even during peak hours of Internet usage. Take all of these factors into consideration when selecting an Internet service plan.
Some recommended Internet connection speeds :
Skype (source: Skype Support)
For voice calls: 0.1 Mbps download / 0.1 Mbps upload
For video calls: 0.5 Mbps download / 0.5 Mbps upload
For HD video calls: 1.5 Mbps download / 1.5 Mbps upload
An important note: these connection speed requirements include downloading and uploading at the same time. Since Speedtest.net tests download and upload separately for accuracy, your results will need to be higher than the the numbers provided above. For example, your upload speed may be 2 Mbps in the Speedtest.net result, but may go down to 1 Mbps while your connection is downloading something at the same time.
Netflix (source: Netflix Help)
Recommended broadband connection speed: 1.5 Mbps download
For HD quality: 5.0 Mbps download
YouTube (source: YouTube Help)
Recommended: at least 0.5 Mbps download
YouTube offers several quality levels for videos. The lower numbers (360p) indicate that the video is smaller and uses less bandwidth, but is also less detailed. The more detailed the video (480p, 720p, or 1080p), the more bandwidth it takes to stream. Choose the highest video quality that allows you to stream without repeated stops and starts.
