Understanding the terms when comparing internet service providers will help you get the best value for your money. Internet speeds and bandwidth might need clarification since they are frequently and incorrectly used interchangeably.
The amount of data carried between two points simultaneously is known as bandwidth. Its bit-per-second (bps) unit of measurement is used to describe the data transfer rate. However, the most recent fiber optic networks can operate at megabit (Mbps) or gigabit (Gbps) rates.
Mixing up a network connection’s transfer rate with its speed is simple. Although they are closely connected, these two things are not the same. The amount of line speed you can use, not performance, determines bandwidth; in other words, capacity, not performance.
How is bandwidth calculated?
Data is divided into smaller units known as “bits” when transmitted or received through an internet connection. The number of these bits a connection can send and receive in a specific amount of time, in this case, seconds, is called its capacity.
Depending on what you purchase, the bandwidth is a defined amount. While one person may stream a high-definition film without experiencing any lag, as soon as other download requests are added to the network, each one will only receive a percentage of the network’s total capacity.
Consider a scenario in which you are streaming a movie, someone else is engaging in online multiplayer gaming, and a few others are downloading files or using their phones to access the internet. Everyone is likely to feel as though things are sluggish if not frequently starting and stopping. This relates to bandwidth.
Bandwidth needs are unique to everyone
Bandwidth needs are dynamic and may need to change. Depending on your internet use, you can receive an official bandwidth recommendation to know precisely what you’ll need to use that service optimally.
