Depending on how many people live in your household and how each of you uses the internet, you’ll need different broadband speeds. The speed of your connection will determine how easily you gain internet access for downloading and streaming. If you’re trying to decide which high-speed plan to purchase, it’s important to understand how internet service works.

Bandwidth & Internet Speed Explained

Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and speeds offered by providers vary. It’s possible to have fast download speeds and slow upload speeds. Activities like streaming music and films require downloading data. On the other hand, if you post content online or work from home, you’ll be using the upload speeds for internet access. 

How much Mbps you need depends on how many devices you use. At home, online gaming usually downloads 5 Mbps and uploads 1 Mbps per device. Streaming video downloads 10 Mbps and uploads 0.5 Mbps. Streaming music downloads 1 Mbps and uploads 0.25 Mbps. Those three tasks alone download more than 15 Mbps and upload nearly 2 Mbps per user.

How to Determine Household Speed Requirements

To determine how much internet speed you need, consider how many users there are in your home and how many different devices they use. Figure out what activities they engage in while online; is your son scrolling through social media on his phone while gaming? Is everyone on their electronics at night?

You can use an online tool that calculates your bandwidth needs. A rule of thumb is to add five Mbps to whatever number you think you’ll need to ensure reliability.

Turn to Volcano Communications Group in Pine Grove, CA, for high-speed internet access at home. They offer different packages to suit your family’s browsing needs. They also provide free installations and free modems, as well as complimentary access to several hotspots throughout the area. View their speed packages online or call (209) 296-7502 to discuss your needs.