Bits, Bytes, and Bandwidth? Oh My!
Have some internet terms you feel you need to know but are scared to ask? We've got you covered.
1. Megabits vs. Megabytes: What’s the Big Deal?
If you’ve ever looked at an internet plan, you’ve probably seen speeds advertised in Mbps (megabits per second). But what’s a megabit, and how is it different from a megabyte?
Megabit (Mb): A unit of data. 1 megabit = 1,000,000 bits.
Megabyte (MB): A larger unit of data storage. 1 megabyte = 8 megabits.
Real-Life Example:
Downloading a 1 GB (gigabyte) file on a 10 Mbps connection takes about 80 seconds.
Swift-Tip: Divide file size in MB by your speed in Mbps, then multiply by 8 to estimate download time!
2. How Fast Does Your Internet Need to Be for Netflix?
When it comes to streaming, speed is everything. But how much speed do you really need?
Netflix Recommendations:
SD quality: 3 Mbps
HD quality: 5 Mbps
4K Ultra HD: 25 Mbps
Source: Netflix Help Center
Swift-Tip: If you have multiple people streaming in your household, add up the speed requirements.
Example: Two people streaming in HD = 10 Mbps. Add in someone browsing and you’re looking at about 15 Mbps total.
3. What Is an ISP?
An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is the company that provides you with access to the internet. ISPs like Swift-Net handle everything from setting up your connection to ensuring you stay online.
What Does an ISP Do?
Delivers Internet Access: Whether through fiber, satellite, or wireless, your ISP connects your home or business to the web.
Manages Your Network: ISPs maintain infrastructure and troubleshoot issues to keep you connected.
Offers Support: Swift-Net prides itself on being your friendly neighborhood ISP, ready to help with any questions or concerns.
Swift-Tip:
Not all ISPs are created equal! Swift-Net focuses on rural areas, bringing fast, reliable connections to communities often overlooked by larger providers.
4. Bandwidth: How Much Can You Handle?
Bandwidth is the amount of data your internet connection can handle at once. Think of it like the width of a highway: the wider the highway, the more cars (data) can travel at the same time.
High Bandwidth: Great for streaming, downloading, and multiple devices running simultaneously.
Low Bandwidth: You might experience buffering during streaming or slowdowns when too many devices are connected.
Swift-Tip:
Upgrading your bandwidth doesn’t necessarily lower your lag—it just allows more data to flow through at once. For real-time activities like gaming or calls, latency (see next section) is the key factor.
5. Ping and Latency: The Key to Real-Time Responsiveness
Latency, often referred to as ping, measures how long it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back, usually measured in milliseconds (ms).
Good Latency (Low Ping): Under 40 ms—ideal for gaming or video calls.
Poor Latency (High Ping): Over 100 ms—can cause lag, delays, or interruptions.
Why It Matters:
Even with fast speeds (high bandwidth), high latency can lead to delays in gaming, video calls, or live streaming.
Swift-Tip:
To lower your ping:
Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for more stable connections.
Avoid network-heavy activities like downloads while gaming or video calling.
Position your router centrally for better signal strength if on Wi-Fi.
Swift-Tip #2: Perform a speed test at www.fast.com (there are many other options that work as well, just Google "bandwidth test") and click "Show More Info" so you can view your download speed, upload speed, and even your latency (ping).
6. What are WISPs?
A Wisp (Wireless Internet Service Provider) is a type of internet service provider that delivers internet service wirelessly. Often, this is to underserved rural or remote regions where traditional wired connections are unavailable.
Advantages of WISPs
Rural Coverage: WISPs are ideal for rural or underserved areas where running cables is too expensive or impractical.
Quick Deployment: Wireless networks can be set up faster than traditional infrastructure, making them more agile for expanding coverage.
Scalability: WISPs can adapt their networks to meet growing demand by adding more towers or increasing capacity.
Swift-Tip: Swift-Net leverages advanced WISP technology to bring reliable internet access to rural communities. By combining state-of-the-art wireless equipment with local expertise, we are bringing fast and reliable internet to rural communities across Alberta and Saskatchewan.
7. How about data? How much data does Youtube use? How about Netflix?
Streaming video is one of the most data-intensive activities online, and the amount of data used depends on video quality settings. Here’s a breakdown of how much data YouTube and Netflix consume per hour:
📺 YouTube Data Usage Per Hour
🎬 Netflix Data Usage Per Hour
💡 How to Reduce Data Usage While Streaming
Lower video quality: Set YouTube or Netflix to 480p or 720p instead of 4K.
Enable "Data Saver" mode: Available in YouTube & Netflix settings.
Download videos for offline viewing: Saves data on mobile networks.
Use Wi-Fi when possible: Instead of streaming on cellular data plans.
📌 Pro Tip for Swift-Net Users
If you're on a data-limited plan, streaming in Full HD (1080p) or 4K can quickly consume your monthly allowance.
For unlimited data, consider Swift-Net’s Infinity plan, which supports unrestricted streaming without data caps!