Broadband Speed Guide

Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, broadband speed is going to be a top priority. Almost every piece of tech you have in your home now relies on a fast broadband connection from the wifi on your phone to your laptop and even your TV.

Here are all the facts you need to know about broadband speeds in Ireland.

What Speed Do You Need?

The first fact to be aware of is there are two different types of speeds that matter. The first is download speed. This determines how fast you can download data on a network and it is crucial for streaming.

Today, many people use their network to stream videos on services like Netflix. Netflix claims you need a download speed of at least 5Mbps to use HD content on its service at 720p or 1080p. This is the minimum download speed you will need, and if you are using the internet to download any other data at the same time, you will experience a lower level of quality. For 4K quality streaming, you will need at least 25Mbps. 5Mbps will be suitable for the minimum level of network usage such as checking your email or reading blogs. For more usage, you should be aiming for a download speed of 10Mbps. If you want to download high levels of data such as a movie, you need at least 50Mbps for a fast speed.

Typically, your upload speed will be lower than your download capability. Most people will be uploading small files such as photos on emails, and for this, you need at least 3Mbps. To upload videos to a sharing network like Youtube you need an upload speed of about 8Mbps.

Is The Speed Advertised The Speed You Will Get?

You might have noticed that broadband providers advertise one internet upload and download speed for each package or solution they provide. Check your speed on your connection, and you may find it is significantly lower than this. This is due to the fact that even the best broadband providers advertise their maximum potential speeds. Broadband speeds can be impacted by a variety of factors.

What Impacts Broadband Speed?

A variety of factors can impact how fast your internet speed. Different companies offer various levels of broadband speeds. You may find that your router set up and location can also impact your broadband speeds. Systems closer to your router will typically have a marginally faster speed. Rural areas are also likely to have lower broadband speeds compared to city locations.

Average Irish Broadband Speeds

The average Irish broadband speeds are between 25Mbps and 260Mbps. However, today, FTTH connections available in some locations can provide speeds up to 1000Mbps. The greatest impact on your broadband speeds is always going to be your location. Make sure you check availability and speeds before you sign up for a service from a specific company in your area.

You can check your internet speeds online and find out how much you are really getting from your provider. It could be worth switching providers or upgrading your package to a higher speed.