When you are shopping for Internet, you will notice all manner of technical terms with complicated lingo. Some are easily understandable, like “download speed,” which is the metric most people look for when choosing an Internet provider and plan. Beyond the eye-catching download speed numbers, you will see on billboards and advertisements, however, is another equally significant Internet feature often overlooked by customers: “symmetrical speeds.”
Now, if “symmetrical speeds” sounds too technical to you, you are not alone! Below, we take a closer look at what symmetrical Internet speeds are—and, even more importantly, why should you care about them when choosing Internet. Whether you are streaming movies and TV, video conferencing with family or your doctor’s office, working remotely, gaming, or simply sharing large content and files, symmetrical speeds, like those offered by D & P Communications’ advanced fiber network, can dramatically improve your online experience!
We will begin with some simple definitions, starting with “download speed,” which at its most basic, refers to how fast data is transferred from the Internet to your device. This includes streaming videos, browsing websites, or downloading files, and most other everyday uses. An Internet provider’s maximum download speeds per plan or tier frequently appear in their marketing materials and websites, and it is likely the measure you’re most familiar with when you shop for Internet.
Another key feature is your Internet’s “upload speed,” or how fast you can send data from your device back to the Internet. This includes sending emails with attachments, uploading files to cloud storage, livestreaming, video conferencing, and online gaming. Together, upload and download speeds are among the most essential metrics an Internet user needs to know.
Too many people rely just on maximum download speeds and ignore other metrics when deciding on Internet technology and a service provider. But it is easy to forget that the Internet is really a two-way street.
That is, data and information does not just come from a far-off Internet server; it also returns to you and your devices every time you click, type, game, or even speak through an Internet-connected app or program.
And the fancy term for that two-way street concept is “symmetrical Internet.” Simply put, symmetrical speeds mean that your upload and download speeds are the same. So, if you have a 500 Mbps symmetrical plan, you can both download and upload at 500 Mbps. One is not faster than the other.
As you will see below, symmetrical speeds make for a better online experience. And if you are already wondering: yes, symmetrical Internet and its benefits are easily available in more and more communities across the United States through fiber Internet, like the kind offered by D & P.
Continuing with some tech lingo for just a moment, it is helpful to consider that, traditionally, most Internet service providers, especially those using cable or DSL technologies, offer “asymmetrical Internet” speeds. As the name implies, with asymmetrical Internet, the download speed is significantly faster than the upload speed. They are not equal as with a symmetrical connection.
For instance, with cable’s asymmetrical Internet, you might have a 200 Mbps download speed but only 10 Mbps upload. With symmetrical download and upload speeds, it creates a solid, reliable, and pristine Internet performance.
You are now probably wondering if symmetrical Internet is worth all the fuss we have been making. Like with many things, it depends on how you spend your time online.
While asymmetrical connections might be sufficient for casual browsing and streaming, symmetrical speeds become essential in a world where users are uploading as much as they are downloading, especially in video conferences, telehealth, remote work, operating a business, content creation, or online gaming.
Here are several examples of symmetrical Internet benefits:
As you can see, having equally robust download and upload speeds can greatly enhance your online experience. Thankfully, D & P Communications’ high-speed fiber network has the power to bring you symmetrical Internet speeds. And yes, our upload speeds are just as fast as our exceptional download speeds.
Whether faster uploads of your own content, or better video conference calls with friends and family and colleagues, or smoother movie and TV streaming, symmetrical Internet can make a significant difference for you. If you have any questions about how D & P’s fiber can improve your Internet, please reach out to our knowledgeable support staff for more information.
