However, what exactly makes an internet connection fast?
A online grid is a system of devices connected to each other and exchanging information.
Imagine you’re playing acloud streaming video game.
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You press a button to make your character jump.
It’ll feel like you’re playing the game right on your machine.
It can feel like you’re playing in slow motion, which can be frustrating in a fast-paced game!
Let’s think about video calls, like on Zoom or Skype.
If the latency is low, your conversation will flow smoothly, almost like you’re chatting in person.
However, if the latency is high, you might talk over each other because of the delay.
It can make the conversation feel awkward and disjointed.
According toMySpeed, the table below provides general guidelines on target latencies for smooth usage across common online activities.
These tools measure how long it takes for your gear to send and receive data from a server.
The bigger the pipe, the more data can flow through it.
The smaller the pipe, the less data can flow through it.
A higher bandwidth translates into faster internet speed.
TheFederal Communications Commissionsays that different online activities need different amounts of bandwidth for a great experience.
But if you’re a fan of 4K videos, you’re looking at 25 Mbps.
Keep in mind that these are just the basics.
Speeds fluctuate constantly, so run a few tests over time to better understand your average.
The quality of your connection and the speed of your devices also play a big role.
Think of your internet connection as a pipe for water.
