Understanding internet speed: what do Mbps and latency mean?

When it comes to choosing an internet plan, one of the key factors to consider is internet speed. But understanding internet speed can be confusing, with terms such as Mbps and latency thrown around without explanation. In this blog post, we'll provide a detailed explanation of these terms and how they relate to internet speed.

KELCOM Internet Latency

First, let's start with Mbps, which stands for megabits per second. This is a measure of the speed of your internet connection, specifically the rate at which data is transferred from the internet to your device. The higher the Mbps, the faster your internet connection will be. This is important for activities such as streaming video, gaming, and working from home, where a high-speed internet connection is crucial.

To put this into context, let's consider some common internet activities and the minimum Mbps required for each:

• Email and web browsing: 0.5-1 Mbps
• Streaming standard definition (SD) video: 3-4 Mbps
• Streaming high definition (HD) video: 5-10 Mbps
• Streaming 4K video: 25 Mbps
• Online gaming: 5-10 Mbps

As you can see, the minimum Mbps required for different activities can vary widely. When choosing an internet plan, it's important to consider how you and other members of your household will be using the internet, and choose a plan with a suitable download and upload speed.

Next, let's talk about latency, which is a measure of the delay between when a request is sent over the internet and when a response is received. Latency is typically measured in milliseconds (ms), and a lower latency is better for activities that require real-time communication, such as video conferencing or online gaming.

To illustrate the impact of latency, let's consider a scenario where a user is playing an online game with a latency of 100 ms. In this scenario, it will take 100 milliseconds for the user's actions to be transmitted over the internet and for the response from the game server to be received. This may not sound like a long time, but in the fast-paced world of online gaming, even a small delay can have a significant impact on the user's experience.

So, what do Mbps and latency mean for your internet connection? Simply put, a higher Mbps means faster data transfer, and a lower latency means a more responsive internet connection. When choosing an internet plan, consider your typical internet usage and the activities you will be using the internet for. This will help you determine the appropriate speed and latency for your needs.

It's also important to note that internet speed can be affected by a variety of factors, including the distance between your device and the internet service provider's infrastructure, the number of devices connected to your home network, and the quality of your Wi-Fi signal.

To ensure that you are getting the best possible internet speed, consider the following tips:

• Place your router in a central location in your home to provide the best possible coverage for all devices
  
• Avoid placing your router near objects that can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal, such as large metal objects or appliances
• Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for activities that require a high-speed, low-latency connection, such as gaming or video conferencing
• Connect as few devices as possible to your home network to reduce congestion and improve internet speed
• Upgrade your router to the latest model, which can provide faster speeds and better signal coverage
  

Overall, understanding internet speed can be confusing, but by understanding the basics of Mbps and latency, you can make an informed decision about the best internet plan for your household. Don't settle for a slow, unresponsive internet connection - choose the right speed and latency