No one likes to sit around and wait forever for a song to download or a movie to buffer. In fact, one study shows that people begin to abandon an online video if it takes more than two seconds to buffer! Here at D & P Communications, we understand that fast Internet speeds are important to our customers. Below, we’ve put together a guide to help you understand the different Internet speeds available and what they can do for you.
Download Speed vs. Upload Speed: What’s the difference?
Two factors play into your overall connection speed: download and upload speeds. Download speed is the rate that data is sent from the Internet to your computer. It determines how quickly and efficiently you can stream music and video or play games on the web. Upload speed is the rate at which data is sent from your computer to the Internet and is used when you’re interacting with web-based applications, such as Facebook and email. Generally, Internet users download much more data than they upload, so a fast download speed is the key for most people when choosing a connection speed.
What Speed Should I Have?
Ideal Internet speeds vary depending on if you’re shopping for a residential connection or a business connection. Here are a few tips to help you determine what’s right for you:
Internet Speeds for Residential Homes
- 2 Mbps download
- Generally loads email and simple websites without a problem
- Recommended only for light Internet users with only one computer/device
- 4-6 Mbps download
- Capable of email, bill-pay, web browsing, and all basic Internet tasks
- Allows for video/music streaming and small file sharing
- 8-10 Mbps download
- Ideal speed for uninterrupted online gaming, video and music streaming, and quick downloads
- 25 Mbps download
- For households with multiple Internet devices
- Allows for multiple HD video streaming and real-time video calls (like Skype)
- 50 Mbps download
- Great option for heavy video streaming and Internet use
- Capable of HD video surveillance for your home and many other applications
- 110 Mbps download
- Fastest download speed currently available
- For the households with multiple heavy Internet users
- Supports hours of HD video and music streaming, downloading, and gaming, and more
- 4-10 Mbps download
- Great for small-medium sized business with one to five computers
- Capable of email, web browsing, and small file uploads/downloads
- Not recommended for businesses that require heavy Internet use
- 25 Mbps download
- Allows for frequent downloads and file sharing
- Good option for large businesses with many users
- 50 Mbps download
- Ideal speed for large businesses that rely heavily on Internet applications, video streaming, file sharing, and more
- Supports HD video surveillance, streaming, and video conferencing
- 110 Mbps download
- Lightning-fast download speeds and seamless Internet connection
- Best option for high-tech companies with many heavy Internet users on staff
- Allows for real-time data collection, HD video conferencing, remote supercomputing, and more
- Asymmetrical versus Symmetrical
- Most packages have a higher download speed than upload speed; however D & P also offers options with the same upload as download speed
- Ideal for businesses that upload high amounts of data to the Internet
- These customer packages are virtually limitless in regards to the capacity that D & P can offer. Although not available in all areas, customers can utilize 1,000 Mbps and higher.
D & P Communications offers a wide range of Internet speeds for both residential homes and businesses, which can vary depending on the broadband technology available in your area. Contact D & P today to learn about the options available in your area. Give us a call at 800-311-7340 today!