Speed expectations and factors
Fiber lines can typically carry up to 1,000 Mbps, and download/upload speeds are symmetrical, meaning you can download and upload at the same speed. However, when using Wi-Fi, it is normal for the speeds to vary.
Many factors play a role in determining your internet speed, including the age of the equipment you are using, the location of the device relative to your router, what software may be running on your device (such as a firewall, VPN, and anti-virus), your internet plan, the number of devices connected, etc.
Choosing the right speed depends on the number of people in your home, what you plan to do online, and how many devices will be connected at one time. Generally, the more you do online or, the more devices you have connected, the higher the speed you will need.
It also helps to understand what bandwidth and speed actually mean – these two terms are often confused and used interchangeably and even though they work together, they play different but important roles in your internet connection.
Bandwidth
- The maximum amount of data able to be transmitted over an Internet connection, and measured in Megabits.
Speed
- The rate at which data can be downloaded (or uploaded) to a given device using that Internet connection, and measured in Megabits per second (Mbps).
- Download speed: how quickly your internet connection can retrieve data from the internet (web pages, video, cat photos, etc.).
- Upload speed: how quickly your internet connection can send data from your devices to the internet (uploading video to YouTube, sending documents via email, etc.).
We recommend visiting broadbandnow.com/bandwidth-calculator, a third-party database, to take a short quiz to help you determine the best speed for your needs.
With Truestream, there are no data caps or best time of use – with a fiber line dedicated directly to your location, we make sure you can stream away all day, every day!
For more information, visit Truestream’s INTERNET & VOICE PLANS, or call 888-485-2537.