Essentially, the internet is a simple connection that allows for the transfer of data that’s moved in units called packets. In terms of high-speed internet service, the faster those packets of data are moved then determines the speed of your connection.

How Fast Is Your Internet?

Subscribing to high-speed internet service is more critical today, because specific sites, such as video streaming providers, can only be used at certain speeds. For that reason, it’s essential to visit a website that tests your internet speed, so that you can verify what it is. This will also help you shop for new services, since knowing your current internet speed will provide you a frame of reference for understanding whether or not competing internet service providers are offering a reasonable rate.

Why Are There Two Different Speeds for Your High-Speed Internet? 

In evaluating the services offered by internet providers, it’s essential to understand that there are two different speeds. Depending on how you use the internet, you may be more interested in one type of speed over the other. The rates you’ll be looking at are called upload speed and download speed. 

Upload speed refers to the rate at which data packets are uploaded to another computer or server from your computer. For example, if you regularly send files to business clients from your computer, how long this takes will depend on your upload speed.

Download speed refers to the length of time it takes for you to receive files from another server. This comes into play when you use those streaming services or other websites. If you’re trying to watch a movie on Netflix and your download speed is too slow, the video will frequently stop to buffer.

What Types of Internet Service Can You Get?

Fiber Optic Cable

This is the highest quality of internet access you can currently receive. It involves transmitting data along a fiber optic cable, which connects to the computer or other devices via the fiber-optic network. Since it involves setting up an extensive system of fiber optic cables, it isn’t readily available in all communities.

Cable Internet

This is another type of high-speed service, though it doesn’t provide the same quality as a fiber-optic network. It involves hooking up the computer to the same types of cables used to provide your television service, and this is often bundled with a landline phone and cable service.

DSL

This type of service involves using your phone lines to transmit data. The cords look similar to your regular phone lines, but they’re affixed with special adapters that are designed to send data. This mode of service is becoming outdated and often provides prolonged download and upload speeds.

While this overview provides a basic understanding of high-speed internet services, you can get more detailed information from a service provider. Established in 1995 and located in Wapakoneta, OH, TSC offers state of the art technology that can help you enjoy a high-quality, fast connection speed. To learn about their full range of phone, cable, and internet services, visit their website. To talk with a service representative directly, call (419) 739-2200.