In today’s increasingly digital world, internet access has become an essential part of daily life. Most people want a reliable, high-speed connection and are willing to upgrade to a service that allows them to work and play online as much as they want without interruption. However, choosing the right plan isn't always a straightforward process when faced with terms like bandwidth and speed. Here is a guide to the two terms to get you started.

How Do Bandwidth & Speed Differ?

Many people interchange bandwidth with speed, thinking they're the same, but these terms pertain to two different aspects of internet access. Bandwidth refers to the volume of information received per unit of time. It's often expressed in bits per second or bps, referring to the data transfer rate. A larger bandwidth means more data can be moved, making the internet connection faster than one with lower bandwidth. 

Speed refers to how quickly that information is transmitted. It's often determined by the physical network of your internet connection.

To better illustrate bandwidth and speed, think of a water tap. Bandwidth is akin to the faucet tap diameter—the bigger it is, the more water can flow through within a given period. Speed is the rate of water flow, which can be reduced when multiple faucets are in use. The same applies to your internet—as more devices connect, they take up bandwidth capacity and make the connection slower.

How Much Bandwidth Do You Need?

The amount of bandwidth you need will primarily depend on your activities and users. For a small household mainly using the internet for browsing, emailing, and occasional file downloading, a low bandwidth with a high-speed connection will suffice.

If you work from home, do teleconferencing, and enjoy streaming music, consider a connection of 25 Mbps. Go for higher bandwidth if multiple devices connect to the network or you frequently stream HD videos, play games online, or download large files. 

Get the right bandwidth and speed for your internet access from Volcano Communications Group. Headquartered in Pine Grove, CA, since 1903, the trusted high-speed internet and cable TV provider serves businesses and residential customers throughout the area. View their full list of services online, or reach out at 1-(209) 296-7502 with further inquiries.