An internet connection is essential for staying competitive in the modern marketplace. Internet speed, or bandwidth, refers to the amount of data that can be uploaded or downloaded in a single second. Here is some information about choosing the right speed from your internet provider.

What Are the Causes of Slow Internet Speed?

In general, the larger your business is, the more speed it will require since more users will naturally utilize more bandwidth, which can slow internet speeds for users across your network.

The number and type of internet-connected devices used by your business can also compromise speed. For instance, video and videoconferencing tools can consume a lot of bandwidth. Older computers, laptops, and mobile devices often have slower and outdated processors, needing more bandwidth to perform basic operations and slowing internet speeds in the process.

What Are Some Factors to Consider?

The two biggest factors to think about when choosing the right speed from your internet provider are your business's size and its connectivity demands. If you only have a few connected devices and use them primarily for email, web browsing, and research, a speed of up to 25 Mbps may be all that's necessary. 

Multiple devices and frequent cloud computing, video streaming, and videoconferencing will need more, perhaps as much as 150 Mbps. For a large business with dozens of employees and regular data-heavy computing, like server hosting and online backups, you could require at least 250 to 500 Mbps. Talk to your internet provider and see what packages they offer for your data needs.

How Can You Boost the Internet Speed?

To increase speed, make sure you have a comprehensive network security program in place. This will block viruses and malware that can eat up speed and slow your connection. Another easy option is to reset your router daily, refreshing the connection with the internet provider and boosting speeds.

If possible, connect some devices via an ethernet cable rather than through WI-FI. Cabled connections are almost always faster than wireless ones because the cable transmits the signal directly to the device instead of using over-the-air transmissions.

To explore your internet speed options, contact Union Springs Telephone Co. With more than 60 years of experience, they serve the Bullock County, AL, area. They provide a wide range of business communication tools, from high-speed internet to phone service. Call (334) 738-4400 to request a quote or visit them online to browse their products.