While bandwidth is the maximum transfer rate for data, throughput is the actual speed and coding process that make data transfers process. Wi-Fi congestion will also limit your bandwidth. When choosing your bandwidth it is important to consider how much bandwidth you will need and remember that your Wi-Fi will likely run slower than the maximum data transfer rate your internet plan supports. Similarly, bandwidth runs closer to its maximum rate when fewer devices and people are using it. Think of bandwidth as a freeway, when it’s nearly empty you can easily drive the speed limit, but during rush hour it gets bogged down by cars and you drive a lot slower. However, bandwidth doesn’t always operate at its fastest, fullest potential due to the number of users and devices currently running on your bandwidth. What is Bandwidth?īandwidth is the maximum data transfer rate between two points through the internet. Wi-Fi conditions can also affect ping and jitter depending on your signal strength. A high jitter score means there is a large variation in response time.

A low jitter score means your response times are relatively stable, which is ideal. Jitter is the measurement of how consistent those fluctuations in response time are with your internet connection. Your ping rate fluctuates depending on how much bandwidth you have available and other network conditions along the way. A higher ping number means it takes longer for those reactions to occur, which can result in lag - a delayed response - with your internet activities. If you have a low ping number, this means you have a short response time and a fast connection.

For example, when playing an online video game or browsing YouTube, you are making requests or commands through your device for data to be accessed or shared. The further the signal has to travel on the internet, the higher the ping time will be which can affect the speed of services you are trying to access. It measures the time it takes for a signal to travel from your device to a remote service on the internet and back to your device. Ping is another internet speed measurement. Some examples of uploading would be attaching files to emails, putting a video onto YouTube or other social media channels or having an online video conference. When you upload over the internet, you are sending data out. Upload speed is the opposite of downloading. Downloading is used more frequently than uploading to the internet.

What’s the Difference Between Download Speed and Upload Speed?ĭownload speed is the rate at which you are able to pull data from a remote system or network to your device, over the internet.

For help figuring out what internet speed is right for you, visit the Internet Plan Questions in our FAQ section or contact us. You can also check out Beehive’s tips for helping your Wi-Fi perform more efficiently. Your ideal internet speed depends on a number of factors, such as the type of programs accessing the internet, the number of devices you have connected to your internet and the size of downloads you need to make. To get an accurate measurement of your internet speed, it is recommended that you run the test at two or three different times of the day and compare the results. Your internet speed may vary slightly between tests due to different levels of network congestion as well as the web browser you use. This tool can help you determine the best location to place your router for ideal speed when you use it to test your Wi-Fi. It will measure whichever type of internet is being used when the test is run. Our internet speed test can be used to test your LAN, Wi-Fi or both.

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