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Finding the right internet speed for your home is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a necessity in today’s digitally connected world. From streaming your favorite shows to maintaining smooth video calls and enabling cutting-edge smart devices, internet speed is critical in ensuring seamless online experiences.

Whether you’re a casual web user, a content creator, or a tech-savvy family with multiple devices, understanding internet speeds will help you make informed decisions and improve your online experience. This guide from New Lisbon Broadband and Communications is designed to simplify the complex world of internet speeds, helping you access the best for your needs.

What Is Internet Speed?

Internet speed refers to the data your connection can send or receive in a specific time frame, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Internet speed determines how quickly you can download files, stream videos, or load web pages.

There are two vital components to consider when discussing speeds:

• Download Speed: The rate at which data (like songs or videos) is delivered to your device.
• Upload Speed: The speed at which data (like photos or video files) is sent from your device to the internet.

For example, a speed plan with 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload means you can retrieve data at a maximum rate of 100 Mbps and send data to the internet at a maximum of 20 Mbps.

How Do Internet Speeds Impact You?

Every online activity requires a minimum level of speed for optimal performance. Here’s a quick look at common activities and the speed they demand:

• Web Browsing and Emails: 1–5 Mbps
• Streaming HD Videos (Netflix, Hulu, etc.): 5–10 Mbps
• Video Calling (Zoom, Microsoft Teams): 3–6 Mbps per call
• Online Gaming: 10–30 Mbps, depending on the game
• 4K Video Streaming (Ultra HD): 25–50 Mbps
• Smart Home Devices (connected thermostats, security cameras): 5–20 Mbps per device

If your household participates in multiple activities simultaneously, such as streaming while others are gaming or working remotely, you’ll need a plan with higher speeds to maintain consistent performance.

How to Assess Your Household’s Internet Speed Needs

To assess your speed requirements:

1. Count Your Devices: Include everything from smartphones and laptops to smart TVs and voice-controlled assistants (like Alexa).
2. Audit Usage Patterns: Note which device or user consumes the most bandwidth—for example, HD streaming, remote work, or online gaming.
3. Plan for Future Usage: If you’re planning to add smart home devices or increase usage (like video conferences), prepare to scale up your plan.

For instance, a single user streaming HD video and browsing social media needs far less than a household of four with multiple devices in use at all times.

Signs Your Internet is Too Slow for Your Needs

Not sure whether your internet speed is sufficient? Look for these signs:

• Buffering During Streaming: Constant pauses while watching shows or movies in high definition (HD or 4K).
• Slow File Downloads or lengthy upload times for videos and images.
• Dropped Calls or video freezing during online meetings or video chats.
• Lag in Gaming or delays during multiplayer action.

If you’re noticing these issues despite being on a high-speed plan, it may be time to upgrade your router or Wi-Fi system.

When to Replace Your Router

Even the fastest internet plan can’t perform at its peak if your router is outdated. Here are common indicators that your router needs an upgrade:

1. Age: If your router is over five years old, it likely can’t handle modern internet speeds or multiple connected devices.
2. Overheating: Persistent heat suggests your router is overloaded, causing slowdowns or dropped connections.
3. Outdated Technology: Older routers may not support advanced Wi-Fi technologies like Wi-Fi 6 or the latest Wi-Fi 7, which are optimized for high-speed fiber networks.

For best results, consider upgrading to a router that matches your internet plan. NLBC offers state-of-the-art routers, like the ADTRAN 834-5, designed for seamless performance with gigabit speeds.

Why Wi-Fi Technology Matters

Advancements like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 are revolutionizing wireless internet:

• Wi-Fi 6 (Released in 2019) provides faster speeds, longer ranges, and better support for multiple devices compared to previous Wi-Fi versions.
• Wi-Fi 7 (Launched in 2024) takes it further by achieving speeds up to 46 Gbps, with improved latency and the capability to handle larger households with dozens of connected devices.

When purchasing a new router, prioritize models that include these technologies for optimal performance and future-proofing.

Keeping Your Router Secure and Updated

Once you’ve upgraded your router, regularly updating its firmware is essential to maintain:

• Performance: Optimize connectivity and ensure faster internet speeds.
• Security: Prevent vulnerabilities from cyber threats like hacking or ransomware.

NLBC recommends enabling automatic updates on your router for worry-free maintenance. Routers like ADTRAN 834-5 even support remote troubleshooting by NLBC technicians, saving you both time and effort.

Choosing the Right Internet Plan

At New Lisbon Broadband and Communications, we provide internet options designed to meet various households’ unique needs in East Central Indiana:

• Everyday Connect (100 x 100 Mbps) for light browsing, email, and video calls.
• Total Connect (500 x 500 Mbps) for multitasking professionals or modestly connected homes.
• Ultra Connect (1 Gig) for gamers, 4K streamers, and large households requiring lightning-fast speeds.

Need help choosing the best plan? Our team is happy to assist you!

Harness the Power of High-Speed Internet Today

From understanding your internet needs to upgrading your router and picking the right speed package, every step counts toward a seamless online experience.

New Lisbon Broadband and Communications is committed to helping East Central Indiana residents enjoy the best internet experience possible.

Take the first step today! Visit our Internet Services page or contact us to learn more about upgrading your connection.