If you’re looking for faster internet speeds to support your online activities, you may have come across multi-gigabit (multi-gig) internet connections. It offers some of the fastest speeds available, but it’s not right for everyone. To see if you could benefit from multi-gig internet, here’s all you need to know about how it works, what equipment you need and who really needs it.
What is Multi-Gig Internet?
Multi-gig internet plans offer speeds faster than 1 gigabit per second (1 Gbps or 1 Gig), about four times faster than the average home internet speed of around 250 Mbps. With multi-gig fiber optic internet, you get equal upload and download speeds that are significantly faster than other internet types, including cable.
Types of Multi-Gig Internet
Multi-gig internet speeds vary from 2 to 8 Gigs and beyond. Depending on how you use the internet, it may be way more bandwidth than you need. Here’s what each speed is capable of supporting:
- 2 Gig: Ideal for larger families with 20+ connected devices for streaming, gaming, working and more
- 5 Gig: Perfect for VR headsets, content creation, downloading and sharing large files and connecting smart home devices
- 8 Gig and Up: Future-ready speeds for the heaviest internet users, including graphic designers, professional gamers, hardcore streamers and technical enthusiasts
Does Multi-Gig Internet Require Special Equipment?
Yes, you need a special router and modem to support multi-gig internet speeds. Ethernet cables and network switches can optimize your network to reach its full potential.
- Router with multi-gig ports: As the most critical piece of equipment, your router should have multiple WAN ports capable of handling speeds over 1 Gig.
- Compatible modem: Similar to router requirements, your modem must also support multi-gig internet speeds.
- Ethernet cables: For optimal performance with multi-gig speeds, Cat6 or Cat6a ethernet cables are recommended.
- Network switches (optional): Depending on your bandwidth requirements, device capabilities and potential future scalability, you may need multi-gigabit network switches.
When Is Multi-Gig Internet Needed?
Certain high-demand internet lifestyles can benefit from these faster-than-fast speeds. Whether you’re looking to supercharge your home office, connect all your smart home devices or level up your gameplay and content creation, multi-gig internet can help.
If you’re experiencing slower-than-ideal speeds, run an internet speed test to see how fast your connection is. Knowing your speeds will help determine if upgrading to a multi-gig internet plan is right for you. If you’re still unsure, here are some common situations that can be enhanced by these faster speeds:
1. Large Households
If you have many family members streaming, working and gaming simultaneously, your home requires a lot of bandwidth. Upgrading to multi-gig internet can keep everyone connected seamlessly. Plus, if you live in a large home, many multi-gig plans come with Total Home Wi-Fi 6 to reach every corner of your home.
2. High-Volume Data Transfer Needs
Analyzing data, storing data to the cloud and live-streaming content require a robust internet network, especially if you run a business out of your home. Multi-gig internet can keep your operations running smoothly without the need to rent office space.
3. Remote Work and Online Learning
Whether you learn or work from home, you know how important crystal-clear audio and video, fast file sharing and downloading and uploading deliverables are. No matter what tasks are on your plate, multi-gig internet can keep you on top of all your assignments.
4. Smart Homes with Multiple Devices
From lights and speakers to home assistants and security systems, smart home automation has taken off. Upgrading to faster internet ensures all your tech-savvy devices can stay connected around the clock. Plus, you’ll have plenty of bandwidth left over to connect whatever new devices come in the future.
5. Streaming and Gaming
Nobody likes buffering, lagging and glitching when watching your favorite show or battling with your friends in an online game. Multi-gig internet eliminates these annoying disruptions no matter who else is connected in your home.
Upgrade Your Online Experience with Lumos Multi-Gig Fiber Internet
What happens when you combine the blazing-fast, future-proof speeds of multi-gig internet with the unmatched resilience of fiber internet? Only the best online experience imaginable.
Check for Lumos Fiber Internet near you today and explore our plans to unlock all the advantages of multi-gig fiber internet.
