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The question:

I’m looking to get Internet service to my house and I’m trying to determine what my Internet service speed should be. I have a TV running 4K, another TV running HD, and one or two devices running HD as well as running video conferencing using zoom. What are the bandwith requirements for these and similar devices? And how can it determine what my service speed should be?

Determining Your Internet Service Speed

To choose the right Internet service speed for your home, consider the bandwidth requirements of each device and activity that will be running simultaneously.

Bandwidth Requirements by Activity

Estimating Your Total Bandwidth Needs

To calculate the total bandwidth needed, add up the requirements for all the devices and activities you expect to use at the same time. For example:

Total Estimated Bandwidth:

Considerations for Choosing Your Internet Speed

Given the example above, a plan that offers at least 100 Mbps should be sufficient.

For multiple high-bandwidth activities simultaneously or to ensure a smooth experience with no slowdowns, consider a 200 Mbps or higher plan.

If you have a large household or foresee increased usage, a plan in the range of 300-500 Mbps might be more appropriate.

Also, ensure the upload speed meets your needs, especially for video conferencing and cloud services, as many standard plans focus primarily on download speed.


Next question:

What devices might I connect to the internet and what bandwidth would they need?

Common Internet-Connected Devices and Their Bandwidth Requirements

When planning your Internet service, consider the various devices you might connect to your network and their typical bandwidth requirements.

1. Streaming Devices

2. Computers and Laptops

3. Smartphones and Tablets

4. Gaming Consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)

5. Smart Home Devices

6. IoT (Internet of Things) Devices

7. Voice over IP (VoIP) Phones

8. Security Systems

9. Printers and Scanners

10. Smart TVs and Media Players

11. Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets

12. Home Assistants

Summary

When calculating your total bandwidth needs, consider how many of these devices might be active simultaneously. For example, if you're streaming 4K content on one device while video conferencing on another, you'll need to ensure your total bandwidth can support these activities concurrently. It's often a good idea to plan for peak usage and future expansion by choosing a plan with a higher bandwidth than your current minimum requirements.