Do I need 1 Gig internet? (& what is it good for?)

A 1 Gig internet connection will allow you to work online from home. For example, video conference platforms like Zoom require speeds of 3.8 Mbps for HD calls.
 
With 1 Gig, you’ll be able to:

• Use email and workplace chat solutions like Slack or Teams.
• Download large datasets.
• Access VR apps or AR training resources.
• Use cloud-based development platforms.
• Use online design platforms like Adobe Creative Cloud or Figma.

If you think your work tasks might require more bandwidth, talk with your ISP.

1 Gig internet is ideal for remote and online learning, as it can support multiple students and devices accessing online learning systems.

Systems like Canvas and Blackboard require minimum download speeds of 512 kbps and 1.5 Mbps, respectively. Additionally, group calls or panel discussions on Zoom may require as much as 4 Mbps.
 
With 1 Gig internet, students will be able to:

• Attend and participate in high-quality live video lectures.
• Playback video, audio and other class-related content.
• Upload and download assignments, e-books, videos and other multimedia.
• Participate in high-bandwidth, interactive experiences like online labs or VR and AR learning.

Similarly, if you are teaching, you will be able to provide high-quality experiences for your students with a 1 Gig internet connection.

Whether a 1 Gig connection is enough for an apartment depends on the number of people, devices and internet habits.

Generally, 1 Gig internet provides enough speed for a family to game, work from home and access online learning simultaneously in a large apartment.

If you’ve just moved, find out how to set up internet and WiFi in a new apartment.

In most cases, large homes hold more people, personal devices and smart devices.

A 1 Gig connection can host multiple users and devices, including cameras, HVAC systems, smart lights and other WiFi-enabled gadgets.

However, regardless of your speed tier, a sudden surge in users, devices, or integrated tech could slow your internet speed.

In addition, large houses may contain dead zones with poor internet coverage, such as hallways, balconies, or stairways. If you’re worried about dead zones, consider using a mesh system to expand coverage.

Astound’s Whole Home WiFi expands WiFi coverage, reduces signal interference and optimizes the performance of your wireless devices.

Moreover, mesh WiFi routers are flexible, modular and moveable. Want more coverage throughout your home? Just place an eero where you want a connection.
 
Learn more: How to set up your internet in a new home

Despite their similar names, 1 Gig internet and 5G home internet are different technologies. As such, both offer distinct characteristics, advantages and limitations.

Gigabit internet is powered by fiber and cable connections.

These connections are wired connections, meaning fewer disruptions. Additionally, most urban and suburban areas already have fiber or cable infrastructure.

1 Gig fiber-rich internet connections offer consistent speeds, reliability and broad coverage. The cost and value can vary depending on your ISP, but providers usually bundle internet, mobile data and TV.

 
On the other hand, 5G home internet is wireless, unlike fiber or cable.

It operates on high-frequency bands transmitted by cell towers. 5G home internet is faster and has lower latency than 3G or 4G LTE networks.

However, distances between cell towers, weather events and network congestion cause problems for 5G home internet users.

Also, 5G internet is a newer technology, meaning coverage is limited to urban areas with existing 5G infrastructure.

Determining the worth of Gigabit internet depends on your personal preferences, the number of users and devices in your home, as well as the activities and tasks you carry out online.

1 Gig internet is ideal for homes with high internet usage. In fact, the average household now has more than 25 devices tied to one single network in their home.

These devices can be smart TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, home security systems, appliances or game consoles.

Faster internet speeds will offer you an online experience that fits your lifestyle and needs.

You might want to upgrade to a faster internet speed, like Gigabit internet speeds, if you experience any of these issues:

• Network congestion.
• An increase of users in your household.
• An increase of devices in your household.
• Frequent buffering when streaming.
• Long loading times when streaming.
• Latency or lag while gaming online.
• Slow uploads or downloads.
• Internet connectivity issues.
• Poor video or audio call quality.
• Failure of smart or IoT devices.

Make sure to perform regular speed tests to understand the speed your ISP is providing, and optimize your WiFi regularly. You’ll improve your network’s performance, minimize channel interference and rebalance your device load.

Before upgrading, evaluate your internet requirements or talk with one of our representatives.

If your devices are upgraded to the latest version and are 1-Gig speed enabled, then your devices will be able to receive 1 Gig internet speeds.

Smartphones allow you to check WiFi speed capabilities within their network settings. To check for yourself, visit the manufacturer’s website or read the manual. Search for “WiFi” and “Network Settings”.

You won’t be able to connect to the 1 Gig internet connection if you have older devices with outdated hardware or network interface cards.

However, most modern devices that meet the WiFi standards can handle 1 Gig internet.

Trying to determine your internet speed connection needs? Ask yourself the following questions:

• 1. How many people in my household will use the internet simultaneously?
     Consider how many people will be using the internet. Each user adds to the demand for bandwidth.
  2. What are the online access needs for my household?
     Identify the primary online activities people in your home typically perform, such as streaming, gaming, video conferencing, or browsing.
  3. Which devices will be connected?
     Determine the number and types of devices used, like smartphones, laptops, IoT devices and gaming consoles. If you will be bringing many devices, consider an internet speed higher than 300 Mbps.
  4. Will anyone be working remotely or learning online?
     If anyone in your household works from home or takes classes online, consider the bandwidth required for video conferencing file sharing and other work-related tasks.
  5. Will anyone stream HD or 4K videos?
     A faster internet connection is essential for bufferless playback if you frequently stream high-quality videos.
  6. Is gaming a priority for anyone?
     Gamers may require faster speeds or improved hardware for increased performance. Look into even higher speeds, like 1200 Mbps, for a richer gaming experience.
  7. Does the house have smart home devices?
     IoT devices, like smart thermostats or security systems, will impact your accessible bandwidth.
  8. Are large files frequently downloaded or uploaded?
     Consider the need for faster download and upload speeds if you work with large files or use cloud services.
  9. Am I satisfied with my current internet speeds?
     Identify any pain points or limitations you may have.
  10. What are my future internet needs?
      Do you anticipate potential changes in your internet use? Will you be adding more devices or engaging in more data-intensive activities?
  11. What internet plans are available to me now?
      Check with local internet service providers to learn more about plans and speeds near you. Ensure you balance performance, cost and your household’s needs to choose the best plan.

So, what equipment do you need to access Gigabit internet? It’s important to stay connected, but the wrong router or modem will prevent you from making the most out of your 1 Gig internet speed.

Let’s take a look at some of the 1 Gig internet requirements below.

DOCSIS 3.1 internet modems are recommended for high speed internet connectivity. You’ll need compatible equipment in order to get the Gigabit internet speed you pay for. Make sure that your WiFi modem is fiber or DOCSIS-compatible.

Our installation process includes a modem. But you can supply your own modem if it meets our compatibility requirements.

A high-quality router supporting high-speed connections is necessary to distribute the internet signal to your wired and wireless devices. Look for a router supporting Ethernet ports and modern WiFi standards like 802.11ac or 802.11ax (WiFi 6).

 
Not sure if you’re getting the speeds you need? Test your internet speeds.

A single router will enable you to access the internet, but often only in rooms that are near the router’s location. The further you are from the router, the weaker your WiFi signal will be.

A Mesh WiFi system, along with advancements in WiFi technology such as WiFi 6E provide fast, reliable Gig internet speeds throughout your home.

Computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, smart devices and user activity all eat away at your available bandwidth.

If you’re a hardcore gamer and want to ensure your 1 Gig internet connection doesn’t drop while playing online, look into a gaming router.

Going beyond regular WiFi routers, a gaming router allows you to set preferences and prioritize how your bandwidth is allocated, maximizing your performance and improving your gameplay.

Check for internet service availability in your area.

A 1 Gig connection is fast, reliable and cost-effective. It provides enough bandwidth to support multiple users simultaneously streaming HD/4K/8K video, gaming online and downloading large files.

1 Gig internet also offers the bandwidth to:

• Browse the internet on multiple devices with concurrent users.
• Stream 4K and 8K videos.
• Play online multiplayer games in your household.
• Attend live classes or access video learning platforms.
• Host in-person and online events with multiple users.
• Work from home and participate in video conference calls.
• Create a network of in-house smart devices and IoT devices.
• Broadcast HD and 4K video content or gameplay to online audiences.
• Access VR and AR experiences.

Surges in users, however, may affect your speeds. For serious online gamers or households with many people and multiple devices, higher speeds or specific hardware may be necessary.

If you’re worried about maintaining fast speeds on-the-go, switch to Astound Mobile and see what you can save. Combine mobile service with Astound’s ultra-fast 1 Gig internet for maximum value.