Businesses big and small rely on the internet to conduct their operations. As a business owner, you want to choose a reliable service that delivers enough speed to cover various functions. However, you also don't want to pay for more than you need, which might leave you unsure about which internet service package to select. This guide explores the factors that go into the decision.

How Is Internet Speed Measured & What Is Bandwidth?

Internet speed and bandwidth are closely related concepts. You can think of bandwidth as the size of the road and data as the cars. Speed is how fast the cars move along the road. 

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), which shouldn't be confused with megabytes per second (MB). Eight bits of data equals one byte. If you have a connection speed of 1 Mbps, it will take 8 seconds for a 1MB file to download. 

However, the speed you experience will vary from the Mbps figure on the internet service plan you purchased. When more cars share the road, it can result in slower traffic and even gridlock. In the same way, your bandwidth is affected by the number of people using the network, the activities conducted over the connection, and even the physical space of your business.

The Internet Needs of Different Business Types & Number of Employees

Different business types and sizes have varying internet service needs. As noted above, more users will split the bandwidth. For example, a business of up to 10 users could use 100 Mbps to accomplish simple online tasks. If you anticipate 30 or more users connecting to your network, you may want to upgrade to 1 gigabyte. 

The types of online activities your employees and patrons perform also matter. Video conferencing, streaming, large file transfers, and cloud services require more bandwidth than sending emails and downloading documents. You can find bandwidth estimates by activity and crunch the numbers. For instance, email generally uses 1 Mbps, a streaming webinar needs 5 Mbps, and video calls take 28 Mbps or more. You can add them all up and multiply by the number of people who may be performing those tasks to get an estimate of your bandwidth requirements.

Keep your small business running efficiently with reliable internet service from TSC in Wapakoneta, OH. They provide quality telecommunication services across Auglaize County, delivering crystal-clear telephone connections or high-speed internet access to your home or business at affordable rates. They also offer a range of web hosting services to suit your business or personal needs. Visit the website for details on broadband service, or call (419) 739-2200 to request a quote.