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Many myths and misconceptions exist about internet speeds. With providers advertising mega-fast gigabit connections and 5G mobile data, it’s easy to understand what internet speed you actually need.
In this post, we separate fact from fiction. We reveal the truth about factors like download speeds and latency and how they impact real-world performance. Read on to learn the key facts and dispel common internet speed myths.
Myth 1: Faster Download Speeds Are Always Better
One common myth is that higher download speeds are universally “better” and improve everything you do online. The truth is more nuanced.
There’s no doubt that ultra-fast gigabit fibre connections are impressive. However, once your download speed reaches around 25-50 Mbps, you’ve got enough bandwidth for most online activities. Going above this doesn’t boost real-world performance for typical web browsing, streaming, and downloads.
That’s because only some websites and services can send data fast enough to utilize speeds over 50 Mbps. The exceptions are services designed for high-bandwidth applications like 4K or 8K resolution video streaming. For media like this, gigabit speeds help. But that’s a narrow use case.
For most everyday online activities, such as loading websites, streaming HD video, gaming, and downloading software, 25-50 Mbps is ample speed. So don’t get sucked in by the hype of gigabit speeds. Focus on your actual needs.
Myth 2: Wi-Fi Is Just As Fast As Wired Ethernet
Another common myth is that Wi-Fi connections can deliver internet speeds as fast as wired Ethernet cables. This is largely untrue.
There are technical limits to how fast Wi-Fi can transmit data. The current standard – Wi-Fi 6 – has a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 9.6 Gbit/s. But in the real world, actual speeds top out around 1-2 Gbit/s due to interference and overhead.
By comparison, modern Ethernet cables transmit data up to 10 Gbit/s or higher. Plus, wired connections have minimal interference and latency. This makes Ethernet cables faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for high-bandwidth uses.
So when you need top speeds with low latency – such as for online gaming, video streaming, or transferring large files – wired Ethernet is superior. Of course, Wi-Fi provides more flexibility and mobility. But if peak performance matters most, cables can’t be beaten.
Myth 3: Latency Only Affects Online Gaming
Low latency – the lag between sending and receiving data – is vital for real-time online gaming. However, many believe latency is optional for other types of internet use. This isn’t the case.
High latency affects the responsiveness of almost everything you do online. When you click links or stream video, high lag causes delays before pages and content load. This degrades the experience.
Low latency provides truly snappy and responsive internet performance. Pages load instantly, videos start playing immediately, and file transfers complete faster. This improves the user experience for all everyday internet activities – not just online gaming.
When comparing internet plans, check both the download speeds and latency. A low latency of around 10-20 ms is ideal. If the latency is 100 ms or above, you’ll notice frustrating lag and delays.
Myth 4: Download Speed = Upload Speed
A common misconception is that if an internet plan advertises a certain download speed – say 100 Mbps – the upload speed must be the same. This is untrue.
Upload and download speeds are usually asymmetric – upload speeds are much lower than download speeds. For example, you may get 100 Mbps downloads on cable internet but just 5-10 Mbps uploads.
Why the difference? Most consumer internet usage involves downloading much more data than uploading. Activities like streaming video or browsing websites require hefty downstream bandwidth but little upstream.
However, some applications need fast upload speeds, like video calls or sharing large files. If you regularly use high-bandwidth uploads, choose a plan advertising fast download and upload speeds.
Myth 5: Speed Tests Give Your True Internet Speed
Speed tests are a popular way to measure your current internet performance. But the results can be misleading.
Speed tests only show your connection’s maximum performance. This represents peak speeds, not real-world average speeds.
During actual internet use, speeds fluctuate wildly depending on factors like:
- Network congestion – more users online causes slower speeds
- Server loads – website traffic affects download speeds
- Wi-Fi interference -Microwaves and thick walls degrade wireless performance
So consider speed tests as measuring potential maximum bandwidth, not your consistent real-world speed. Expect to achieve test speeds only sometimes. Focus on whether your internet feels fast and responsive as you use it.
Myth 6: 5G Mobile Internet Is Super Fast
The rollout of 5G mobile networks brings blistering performance, right? Not so fast. The reality of 5G doesn’t match the hype.
There are two types of 5G:
- 5G mmWave provides multi-gigabit speeds by using a high-frequency spectrum. But it only works over very short distances. It would help if you were near a 5G mmWave tower with a clear line of sight. Walls and windows block the signals.
- 5G Sub-6 uses lower frequency bands similar to 4G. This provides better coverage and penetration through walls. But peak speeds are only marginally faster than 4G LTE – around 100-400 Mbps versus 10-50 Mbps on 4G.
So, most consumers only get a minor speed boost from 5G sub-6 networks. Indeed, high-speed 5G mmWave is limited to small hotspots in dense urban areas. Wait to expect country-wide ultra-fast 5G. We are still in the early stages of the technology.
Myth 7: My ISP Promised Me Exact Speeds
Finally, beware of ISPs promising you’ll get “exactly” the advertised speeds. The truth is they only promise peak performance.
No ISP can guarantee consistent speeds at all times. Actual speeds vary due to factors like:
- Network usage and congestion
- Wi-Fi interference
- Server loads
- Distance to local exchange
All an ISP can do is deliver top speeds some of the time by optimizing its network capacity and performance. But your actual speeds will fluctuate.
Focus on whether your internet feels consistently responsive for what you use it for. As long as pages load quickly and videos are streaming smoothly. Your real-world speed is adequate – regardless of what speed tests show.
Key Takeaways: Separating Internet Speed Facts vs Myths
When assessing internet speeds, there are some key facts to know:
- Gigabit speeds provide no real-world benefit for most activities versus 25-50 Mbps connections.
- Wired Ethernet offers faster and more reliable performance than Wi-Fi, especially for high-bandwidth uses.
- Low latency improves the responsiveness of all internet usage, not just online gaming.
- Download and upload speeds are usually asymmetric – uploads are much slower.
- Speed tests only show maximum performance, not real-world consistent speeds.
- In most cases, 5G brings a moderate speed boost versus 4G, but gigabit 5G mmWave has limited availability.
- ISPs can only guarantee your peak speeds, not consistent performance at all times.
Hopefully, this guide has helped uncover the truth about factors like internet speeds, latency, Wi-Fi vs Ethernet, 5G performance, and speed test results. Understanding the key facts allows you to avoid being misled and make informed choices about internet plans.
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