Why Upload and Download Speeds Matter So Much

This guest post was provided by Anna Hicks.

So you want to know more about download or upload speeds? You came to the right place. Both download or upload speeds when it comes to making the most of your internet plan. Both are expected when it comes to choosing the right internet service provider. You should consider the upload and download speeds when you search for internet in my area in an online search.

The first thing you should do is test your internet speed. This will let you know if you’re getting lower speeds than you expected. You can conduct this simple practice on SpeedTest.net and by running a free test. Remember that some internet service providers promise big speeds but never deliver them.

Contact your ISP and ask them which speeds are available in your area. You also don’t want to waste time with speeds that aren’t reliable. Read on to learn more about upload and download speeds and how to improve both.

Why Download Speeds Matter

Of course, download speeds matter. It depends on how you use the internet and how you want websites to work when you visit them. You want them to load instantly every time you visit them. Most internet users crave speed whether they’re researching information, streaming video content, or communicating with their friends.

What is considered fast? Two to three seconds is the time it takes for the average website to load. If your website takes longer than that, then it’s definitely too slow. That may not sound long, but it’s considered slow in the internet world.

Half internet users expected a website to load in less than two seconds flat. While 57% of internet users will exit out of a website that takes longer than three seconds to load. If you want to get things done online, then download speeds matter.

How to Improve Download Speeds

There are several things you can do to improve download speeds. The first thing you can do is test the internet with a different modem or router. The biggest reason behind slow download speeds is a bad modem or router. Make sure your modem is equipped for the internet plan you use.

The next thing you should do is scan for viruses and malware. You want to make sure there are no viruses, worms, Trojans, or other issues causing your internet to slow down to a crawl. Some viruses can install themselves onto your computer without your knowledge and suck the life out of your download speeds. Scan your computer daily to pinpoint problems before they happen.

Why Upload Speeds Matter

Modern technology has demanded the need for speed. Live-streaming video content, online games, interactive learning, and video conferencing require a consistent connection. Even easy tasks such as e-mail and document programs are requiring the use of cloud-based services.

This presents a challenge when multiple people and devices are connected to the same network. Having the ability to accommodate several devices and uploads should be a determining factor when choosing the right internet plan. The ratio for download speeds should be between 4 to 1 or 6 to 1. Lower-bandwidth connections require lower ratio speeds. While choosing low download speeds present problems, higher download speeds come with a high price tag.

Choose the Right Internet Service

The internet plans that are available provide various options to connect to the internet based on capabilities, functions, and infrastructures. The most common types of internet service providers include Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) internet, cable internet, satellite internet, and fixed wireless internet. Out of these options, fixed wireless is gaining popularity among households.

This type of internet plan was created with internet speeds in mind. Fix wireless makes it possible to have high upload or download speeds making it desirable for those who stream content and transfer large data files. It’s a great option for those who want to send large files, engage in video conferences, and use Voice Over Protocol (VoIP) service.