Your internet speed is based on how long your internet connection can download and upload data (bits). This speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and gigabits per second (Gbps) — one Mbps is 1,000,000 bits being transferred per second, and one Gbps is 1,000,000,000 bits being transferred per second. The higher the Mbps or Gbps you see, the faster the internet speed. Just remember that your chosen speed will depend on your specific internet needs.
What factors affect my internet speed?
Internet speed can be affected by several factors including your device’s connection type (Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi), signal strength, distance from the router, and interference from walls and other electronics.
Is Ethernet faster than Wi-Fi?
Yes, being hardwired to Ethernet is generally faster and more reliable than using Wi-Fi due to reduced interference and a more stable connection.
Why is my Wi-Fi slower than my Ethernet connection?
Wi-Fi speeds are affected by factors like signal interference, distance from the router, and the number of devices connected. Ethernet provides a direct, stable connection with fewer variables affecting speed.
How does signal strength affect my Wi-Fi speed?
A strong signal allows for faster speeds. However, the distance between your device and the router, as well as obstacles like walls and other electronics, can interfere with the signal and reduce its strength.
How can I improve my Wi-Fi connection?
- To get the best results, test from a distance of 4-6 meters away from the router with as few physical obstructions as possible.
- Use the 5 GHz band for faster speeds, ideal for activities like streaming and gaming. Use the 2.4 GHz band for better coverage, especially in larger homes or areas with many walls.
What is power cycling and how does it help?
Power cycling involves restarting your router to improve speed and stability. Unplug the power cable, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. This process may take up to 3 minutes for the router to reconnect to the internet.
It is recommended to power cycle or reboot your wireless router every 60 days or whenever you experience unusual behavior.
How do I test my internet speed?
Go to www.speedtest.net and run the test when no other device is using the internet connection for the most accurate results. To get the best results, test from a distance of 4-6 meters away from the router with as few physical obstructions as possible.
What is the difference between download and upload speeds?
Download speed is how fast you can receive information from the internet, like loading websites or streaming videos. Upload speed is how fast you can send information to the internet, like posting photos or sending emails.
What are symmetrical speeds and how do they benefit me?
Symmetrical speeds mean you get the same download speed as upload speed, which is beneficial for activities like video conferencing and uploading large files. With the exception of our 1Gbps package, MetroFibre offers symmetrical speeds.
What do the terms ping, jitter, and latency mean?
- Ping: The time it takes for a server to respond to a request from you and back to you.
- Jitter: The variation in delay of network packets as they move across the internet. High jitter can cause stuttering in online gaming and choppy audio or video.
- Latency: The time delay between sending a request over the internet and receiving a response. Lower latency is better for activities requiring quick reflexes, like online gaming and video conferencing.
How can I minimise latency?
Use an Ethernet connection whenever possible to reduce latency. If using Wi-Fi, choose the 5 GHz band and minimise the distance between your device and the router.
How can I minimise jitter?
- Use an Ethernet cable for a stable connection.
- If Wi-Fi is the only option, use the 5 GHz band and move closer to the router.
- Restart your wireless router to reconnect to the least congested channel.
How does latency affect online activities?
Activities that require quick response times, such as online gaming, live streaming, and video conferencing, benefit from lower latency. High latency can cause delays and reduce the quality of the experience.