Do you really need faster internet?

Do You Really Need Faster Internet?

How much internet speed do I actually need? Let’s break down the factors that determine your internet requirements, especially when it comes to business size and the scale of operations.

Understanding internet speed basics:

Internet speed, sometimes referred to as “bandwidth,” is essentially how much data can be uploaded or downloaded in a second. Before diving into how much speed you need, it’s important to understand what speed means.

– Download Speed: The download speed means the rate data is transferred from the internet to your device. Including: Streaming, downloading large files, or using cloud services relies heavily on this.

– Upload Speed: The rate at which data is sent from your device to the internet. A few examples of this include Video conferencing, uploading files to cloud storage, and running a live stream which will require higher upload speeds.

Now that we know what speed means let’s break down the term broadband. Broadband or high-speed internet access refers to the internet connection provided by your ISP Internet service provider. You access this by either an Ethernet connection between your router to device or through a LAN connection.

Generally, internet speeds are measured in Mbps (megabits per second). The higher the Mbps, the faster the connection!

Quick fixes for improving your speed:

The location of your router can make a massive difference in your internet speed!

Try putting your router where you use the internet the most. The nearer it is to where you use it, the better the connection.
Keep it out where visible not in a cabinet, on the floor or stuck behind a TV.
Keep it away from anything electrical or metal. Routers are affected by electrical interference so make sure it’s at least five feet away from TVs, monitors, dimmer switches, PC speakers, halogen desk lamps, and so on.
If you aren’t using your device, turn it off to free up your wi-fi for the devices that you’re using. ( or put it on airplane mode for a few seconds.)

How Much Internet Speed Do You Actually Need?

Home Office or WFH

For individuals working remotely or managing a small home business, most activities will involve video conferencing, sending emails, and light cloud usage. The Speed Requirements needed for at-home working is on average about 25-50 Mbps download, and 5-10 Mbps upload speed.

Small Business (1-10 Employees)

Small businesses typically need faster speeds to handle multiple devices and moderate data transfers. If your team works with large files a higher download speed will make a significant difference to their performance! Your average Speed Requirement for a small business is between 50-150 Mbps download and 10-20 Mbps upload speed.

Medium Business (11-50)

A medium-sized business often has employees accessing the cloud, conducting video meetings, and working with high-bandwidth applications. The more employees you have, the higher the bandwidth you’ll need. The Speed Requirements needed for a medium-sized business are around 200-500 Mbps download, and 20-50 Mbps upload speed.

Large Enterprise (50+ Employees)

Large enterprises depend on fast, stable internet to ensure seamless operations across departments. Businesses with many employees handling large data sets, video conferencing, and real-time services need significant bandwidth and reliable connectivity. Speed Requirements for a large enterprise are 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps download and 50+ Mbps upload speed.

How to Decide on the Right Speed for Your Business:

While having faster internet sounds great, it comes with higher costs. To determine what speed you need:

Assess the number of employees and the type of tasks they perform.
Calculate bandwidth usage: Streaming video, uploading large files, and using cloud applications require more bandwidth.
Consider the future: Plan for growth by choosing a vendor that allows for easy upgrades.

If you find yourself having to check your broadband speed constantly you may need a faster internet connection this tool compares the best broadband providers in your chosen area! We also highly recommend having a chat with your IT service providers before switching internet providers as they can walk you through the process and also recommend the best fit for your business! No IT service provider? No worries give our friendly team a call today for a quote.

Conclusion

So, how much internet speed do you actually need? Well, the right internet speed depends mostly on the business size and your specific needs. When choosing a provider make sure you evaluate how much data your company consumes and choose a plan that keeps you secure and connected without breaking the bank. Remember, a stable connection is more important than an ultra-fast one (especially for your smaller business). For more information about internet speeds or choosing the best internet provider contact Liberate IT today for expert advice and managed support.