What should dsl internet speed be

It uses broadcast towers to transmit and receive internet signals. Depending on provider and location, speeds can vary between Mbps, but tend to be on the slower end. An internet speed test will give you a good idea of whether or not you have the necessary speeds for your household.

For best results, take the speed test with a wired connection. Try these helpful hacks to improve your internet speed. Or if you just want more bang for your buck, check out providers near you with more speed for the price. Rather chat? Give us a call: Pro Tip: For best results, use an Ethernet cord to connect your router or modem directly to your device before you run the test. If you have slow internet, there may be other internet providers in your area that offer faster speeds.

Or, your current internet provider may offer plans with higher speeds. File sizes for things like music, movies and pictures vary, but a movie can range from 1 to 7GBs depending on the length and picture quality.

Keep in mind, upload speeds from internet providers are often significantly lower than download speeds. Some fiber-optic providers, however, do offer upload speeds comparable to their advertised download speeds.

These download and upload times are estimates, based on a constant speed. As mentioned above, there are many factors, such as the number of connected devices and types of internet activities performed, that can affect internet speeds and the time it takes to perform a given task.

Shop internet providers, plans and speeds in your area with our internet experts. David joined the Allconnect team in , specializing in broadband and TV content. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more. Read bio. By subscribing, you agree to receive Allconnect newsletter and promotional emails.

Your privacy is important to us. Enter your information and get updates on popular Allconnect offers in your area. Why do we ask for your address? Need help? But dial-up is still a common form of internet for many rural homes and businesses, even with its limitations. What is broadband internet exactly? Although traditionally slow, in recent years speeds have improved due to technological advances. Some satellite service is even available now at broadband speeds.

However, when lag and latency issues exist, real-time activities like online gaming may become more difficult. DSL uses existing coaxial copper technology and a modem to provide a broadband connection. However, speeds vary widely based on the internet service provider, equipment used and the quality of the phone lines leading to your home or business.

Because of this, the DSL connections can seem more consistent, even if they are overall slower than cable. The big downside of DSL is the phone cable itself; telephone cables usually top out at around 40 Mbps down, while cable can deliver closer to Mbps under ideal conditions.

However, shared bandwidth and unmaintained infrastructure often results in equivalent effective speeds for either technology much lower than 40 Mbps. Distance between ISP office and residence is also a factor with DSL connections, as residences farther from the central office generally receive slower speeds and higher latency than those closer to the office. Cable solves some of the problems associated with DSL service low bandwidth, outdated infrastructure but comes with its own host of potential failure points.

The biggest con when it comes to cable is higher cost, largely a product of lack of competition among cable providers — cable infrastructure is more expensive than telephone, so many Americans only have access to one provider if they want true broadband internet. The other problem point with cable is bandwidth sharing. Since bandwidth is shared within neighborhoods, oftentimes cable will be slowed to the same speed or lower than DSL during peak use times.

Fiber is by nature unaffected by electromagnetic interference like copper, making it much more resilient to outside factors — like proximity to other infrastructure and weather.

Overall, fiber has few faults outside of cost and limited availability. We can expect that fiber will continue to grow to the point that it will, one day, be as available as cable internet. As our society increasingly relies on high-speed internet, the thirst for faster internet will likewise grow.

Cable Internet Summary Cable download speeds are usually in the 10— Mbps range, while upload speeds are 5—50 Mbps. Fiber Internet Summary Fiber internet download speeds can be anywhere from —1, Mbps. Instead, new fiber optic cables need to be installed to offer service in a given area. These cables use light and tiny glass fibers to send and receive data. Faster download speeds than DSL, faster upload speeds than cable. Not as widely available as cable or DSL. Satellite internet access can be both slower and more expensive than the other options, but it may be the only choice for those in rural areas.

Not a fan of traditional internet service providers? Consider using a cellular data connection on your smartphone to connect to the internet. You can do this via tethering, which connects your cell phone to your computer via a USB cable, or by using your phone or another device as a mobile hot spot.

This option is affordable only if your internet usage is minimal — think email and basic web browsing — because it draws from a limited data allotment, often from your cell phone plan. This connects to the internet via cellular networks, similar to data service on your smartphone, but uses a separate mobile hot spot or wireless modem.

Mobile broadband packages work a lot like cell phone plans ; you pay for a set number of gigabytes each month, plus a fee to connect your device, be it a tablet, a mobile hot spot or a USB modem. But it does allow you to take your internet connection on the road.

Dial-up internet service has not gone the way of the dinosaurs. In fact, AOL, the premier internet provider in its heyday, still reported more than 2. AOL is now owned by Verizon. Dial-up connects to the internet via your telephone line, similar to DSL service. The main difference: Dial-up transmits phone and internet signals via the same frequency. Instead, you need to establish a new connection every time. Cue the glorious chirps, squeals and screeches of a dial-up modem making a connection.

But for some, it may be the only option available. And it is cheaper than broadband internet.