With all the internet options out there, the process of picking one for your household can be complicated. You don't want to order more internet than you need, but you certainly don't want to order too little either. Fortunately, there are ways to determine precisely how much your home needs to avoid any resulting frustration.

Activities That Take Up Bandwidth

Internet speed is measured in units called megabits per second, or Mbps. Different internet activities require different amounts of megabits. For example, checking your e-mail or going online only requires anywhere from one to five Mbps. However, if you plan to stream movies or TV shows online, that'll take three Mbps or five if you're streaming in high-definition.

Playing video games can take up anywhere between two to 10 Mbps, while downloading large movies might take as much as 50 Mbps. Think about exactly what you use your internet for and look up how many Mbps that activity requires to help you figure out what internet speed you'll need.

Other Factors to Consider

While taking note of how you use the internet is the primary way to establish what internet speed is right for you, there are other factors to think about too. For instance, how many people are in your household, and how will they be using the internet? Also, think about whether your family uses the internet in different ways at the same time. For example, if you're online shopping while your spouse is streaming a show on Netflix, that's going to take more bandwidth than if you were using the internet at different times.

Additionally, take inventory of the various devices in your home that use the internet. Gaming consoles, TV recording devices, streaming boxes, and smart appliances all require bandwidth. Determining how many of these devices you have and how often you use them can help you come up with a better estimate.

If you’re interested in getting faster internet, check out Delhi Telephone Company in Delaware County, NY. Their staff is all about customer service, and they won’t leave you hanging on the phone when you need assistance. Friendly and personable, this team strives to provide their community with the best internet, cable, and more. To learn more about their available products, visit them online or call (607) 746-1500.