Simply stated, having the best connection means you can do more things like have crystal clear, uninterrupted video calls with family and friends, send emails and pictures securely, or quickly share things on social media. A good place to begin with a better understanding the types of Internet services would meet your needs best.
Have Questions?
Broadband service providers are not all the same.
Here’s what you need to know.
Home internet can be delivered via telephone line, cable TV, wireless and even satellite. The best internet is Fiber Optic.
With Fiber you get:
- No limitations on speed
- No buffering struggles
- The most reliable internet
- No data caps or throttling
Types of Internet
The type of Internet service you choose will largely depend on which Internet service providers (ISPs) serve your area, along with the types of service they offer. The common types of Internet service are:
Fiber-optic internet, commonly called fiber internet or simply “fiber,” is a broadband connection that can reach speeds of up to 2.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps), with some service providers offer speeds even higher! Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cable, which sends data near the speed of light.
Cable internet typically comes from cable TV providers through a coaxial (coax) cable. Cable internet speed capabilities are slower than fiber especially with respects to upload speeds, are more susceptible to weather events and outages.
Satellite internet is wireless internet beamed down from satellites orbiting the Earth. It is often slower, with speeds averaging around 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, has high latency (takes longer to connect) and has data caps and other limitations.
Much like your cell phone, wireless internet uses cellular signals to provide internet service to your home. Speeds vary based many factors but on average offer 25 Mbps download and minimal upload speed. Most wireless plans have data caps and other limitations.
Now you know what type of internet service you need.
Next, you need to understand Wi-Fi.
The good news is most service providers offer Wi-Fi as part of your internet plan or as an add-on. Here are a few essential questions to ask so you have the best experience.
It is the wireless technology used to connect your devices to the internet wirelessly. Your service provider installs a router as part of the Wi-Fi service.
As part of the install process, most service providers will optimize your entire house for the absolute best Wi-Fi performance and coverage.
You could, but it likely won’t be Wi-Fi certified 6 or “carrier grade”. Service provider Wi-Fi systems are designed, built, tested and configured to specific standards. You can’t get this elsewhere.
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6 is the latest technology found in routers and devices to deliver the best connectivity experience possible. Its faster, more reliable and more efficient Wi-Fi.
Most services offer exception support including 24/7 phone or online chat support. As part of your service, they will be able to quickly troubleshoot issues remotely.
Every GigaSpire BLAST system comes with the CommandIQ Wi-Fi app. This easy to use app gives you control to tailor the Wi-Fi your way.
Now you have everything you need to call your local provider.
FIND YOUR PROVIDErWhat to expect when you order service.
When you order service, they are going to ask you questions and you will need to make some decisions.Here are some things to expect and information you may want to know.
Be prepared so you can get the right service the first time.
- How do you use the internet?
- Do you work from home?
- Do you have children?
- Does anyone in the home game?
- How large is your home?
- How many connected devices are in the home?
Why are they asking me these types of questions?
Fiber was built for the internet and your Internet download and upload speed should be equally fast. And most ISPs offer several tiers of service with different Internet speeds, usually measured in Mbps (Megabits per second) or Gbps (Gigabits per second).
On average, every person in the home has 4 connected devices connected to the Wi-Fi at any given time. The more people and devices in the home, the bandwidth (internet) you’ll need.
This seems like a silly question, to go on the internet of course, but most people use the internet in distinct ways. Such as, working from home, schooling, gaming, connecting smart home or IoT devices, watching movies, etc. Your service provider will align your service to best fit how you’ll be using it.
Wi-Fi coverage has its limitations. Things like what your house is made from, layout, number of floors and even how close your nearest neighbor is all impact the quality of service you’ll experience. Your service provider will take all that into consideration when recommending the best service for you.
Your service provider wants to have the best experience possible. One of the best ways to do that is to have the control to tailor you home internet exactly how you wish. The CommandIQ app from your service provider is part of the Ultimate Wi-Fi service.
Many service providers also offer voice service. Traditional “landlines” are great if cell coverage is limited at your residence.
Many services providers offer traditional cable TV services. Some even have streaming services that work great over your internet and Wi-Fi connected devices.
Key Terms
A system that connects all of your wired and wireless devices to an Internet connection at once and also allows them to talk to one another.
A box that connects your home network to the wider Internet.
A Gateway is another name for a router.
Optical Network Terminal is a device that communicates directly with an Internet service provider (ISP) to get a fiber-optic Internet connection in your home.
Cable Internet is a form of high-speed connection that uses a cable TV infrastructure to provide Internet access to your home.
A fiber optic connection which reaches a home user, (meaning a box on the outside wall). Can be used to deliver TV, data and voice services.
Satellite internet works similarly to satellite TV. It relies on the combination of a signal routed through a satellite in low- or high-Earth orbit and a receiver dish that receives that signal.
A cellular network or mobile network is a type of wireless internet facilitated by cellular towers and cellphone providers.
A device that creates a wireless network. An access point connects to a wired router and projects a Wi-Fi signal to a designated area.
Megabits Per Second. A measurement of internet speed. 1Mbps = 1000 kilobits.
Mesh Wi-Fi is a system that creates multiple access points of Wi-Fi in your home. It usually consists of one primary router and multiple satellites or pods.
Gigabit Per Second. A measurement of internet speed. A 1Gbps fiber Internet connection = 1000Mbps (Megabits Per Second).
Commonly Asked Questions
Fiber means faster
Fiber was built for the internet and your Internet download and upload speed should be equally fast. And most ISPs offer several tiers of service with different Internet speeds, usually measured in Mbps (short for megabits per second). If you mainly want to use the Internet for email and social networking, a slower connection (around 2 to 5 Mbps) might be all you need. However, if you want to download music or stream videos, you'll want a faster connection (at least 5 Mbps or higher).
Without fiber, a gig is not a gig.
Gig or Gigabit is the new standard for fast internet speed. Gone are the days of measuring internet speed in terms of only download and megabits. Service providers that offer fiber internet typically offer something called symmetrical speed packages. This means when you subscribe to a 1 Gig internet plan you get the same download speed (1 Gbps) and upload speed (1 Gbps), this is something only fiber can do. Most importantly, service providers know how to make sure you are getting the most our of all that speed with equally match Wi-Fi systems like the GigaSpire BLAST Wi-Fi6 system. If you’re not on fiber with a GigaSpire BLAST, a gig is not a gig.
Why cheaper isn’t always better.
You want the fastest, most reliable internet you can get, right? Well all that technology requires investment. Thankfully many broadband service providers have spent the last 20 years upgrading their networks to fiber optic internet. The benefits to you are:
- Internet speeds that are 10-80 times faster
- Same speeds for down and upload
- More reliable connection with no "freezing"
- No throttling of your service
- Higher quality TV
- Better gaming
- Reliable telemedicine
Don't play the price game. Getting the best service is worth it.
One App. Total Control.
All your Wi-Fi experiences. All in one app. Take control with CommandIQ.
Why GigaSpire BLAST and WiFi 6
Managed
Fully managed and supported in conjunction with your internet service means you can rest assured if you have a question or problem. 24/7 remote support so you're never without help.
Simple
Easy setup with plug and play whole home expandability.
Reliable
Intelligent WiFi eliminates congestion, interference and auto-selects the best band and channel for your experience.
Secure
Automatic software updates provide improved security as ProtectIQ™ ensures every device on your WiFi network is protected from online threats.
Speed
Our dual-band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) offers the most advanced WiFi bandwidth everywhere in your home.
