Considering Gigabit Internet Service? Here’s What to Know First

Gigabit is the next big thing in home internet. Also known as ultra-high-speed internet, gigabit internet service offers uncompromising speeds and performance for streaming, online learning, video conferencing, gaming, and all the other online activities you do at home in Bellevue, WA.

Gigabit internet runs on fiber-optic cable, a light-driven data technology that offers lightning-fast speeds due to its higher data capacity and lack of interference. The result? Dramatically faster download and upload speeds, sometimes 10-20 times better. Enjoy everything you do online already—but more of it, and faster.

If you’re considering gigabit internet service, there are a few things you need to do before calling your ISP to ensure your home network can support gigabit internet. While our home network installation services include everything you need to get you up to speed, below is a quick checklist you can follow to maximize internet performance.

SEE ALSO: Stay Connected and Secure with a Professional Home Network

Consider Quality Wired Connections

Whenever possible, use a quality ethernet cable as your primary connection for data-heavy or stationary devices like your desktop computer, gaming systems, and smart TVs. You’ll also want to make sure the ethernet cable you use is right for your router and speed. Using a quality ethernet connection will not only ensure unwavering performance and reliability for those devices, but you’ll free up bandwidth for devices that rely on a wi-fi connection.

Make Sure Your Hardware and Devices Support Gigabit Speeds

Can your router handle gigabit internet? Many older consumer-grade routers don’t support gigabit speeds, so check out your hardware before calling your ISP to upgrade. You’ll also want to take a closer look at your wi-fi devices to see what wi-fi standards they support. The most current wi-fi protocol for gigabit speeds is 801.11ax or more commonly known as Wi-Fi 6. While this is becoming the new standard, devices and routers that support at least 802.11ac can still reap the benefits of gigabit speeds.

Update Your Router Firmware and Operating Systems

You should already be regularly updating your router firmware to maintain optimal stability, performance, and security. If you don’t remember the last time you updated your firmware and your router doesn’t have automatic updates, then the time to update is now. You should also look for any available updates for all your other devices to ensure they’re prepared for gigabit speeds.                  

Run Speed Tests

Running speed tests on your wired and wireless devices before you upgrade to gigabit internet will help you find a baseline of current speeds to compare to your gigabit speeds after you upgrade. Not only will the difference prove the power of gigabit internet, but you’ll also be able to see how speeds differ between wired and wireless devices. If the difference is considerable, you may want to make different decisions about which devices are hardwired or not. Plus, speed tests also help you identify potential dead spots throughout your home that need to be assessed.

For an effortless upgrade to gigabit internet service, enlist the help of a home network professional like Wipliance to optimize your home network for maximized speeds and reliability. We’ll run through the checklist above for you so you can avoid the hassle. We’ll also recommend necessary upgrades and install a custom networking solution that ensures a strong connection everywhere in your home.

Get ready for speed! Book a free consultation by contacting us here or using the chat box below to speak with a team member today.