What is bandwidth & how much do you need?

Jump to section:

• What does bandwidth mean?
• Why internet bandwidth matters
• How does bandwidth work?
• What is bandwidth measured in?
• What is bandwidth in WiFi?
• How do I set my WiFi bandwidth?
• How do I check my network bandwidth?
• Understanding bandwidth terms
• Want more bandwidth?

We live in a world essentially ruled by the web, where connectivity powers nearly every aspect of our lives. Whether streaming your favourite series, joining video calls, or running a smart home, bandwidth determines your online capacity. But…

What does bandwidth mean?

Bandwidth is the amount of data your internet connection can carry at once. It’s often confused with speed, but they’re not quite the same.

• Speed = how fast data travels

• Bandwidth = how much data can move at the same time

Think of it like a water pipe. Bandwidth is the width of the pipe. A wider pipe lets more water (or data) flow through, so more people can get water from the pipe without the flow slowing.

That’s why bandwidth matters most when you’ve got lots going on at once. If someone’s streaming a film, someone else is gaming, and another device is downloading updates, limited bandwidth can cause buffering, lag, or slower downloads – even if your headline “speed” sounds decent.

Why internet bandwidth matters

Bandwidth is basically what stops your internet connection turning into a traffic jam. It affects how well everything works when multiple devices and tasks are happening at once – which, in most homes, is basically all the time.

Here’s where bandwidth makes the biggest difference:

• Streaming

Streaming content requires a steady flow of data. If your bandwidth is being shared across lots of devices, you’ll see quality drops, or the stream starts to buffer.

• Video calling

Video calling requires bandwidth to be consistent across both upload and download. Low bandwidth can mean choppy audio, pixelated video, or lag that makes you talk over each other.

• Gaming 

Online gaming doesn’t always need loads of bandwidth, but it does need a stable connection. If someone starts downloading a big file mid-game, limited bandwidth can cause a lag.

The more you understand your bandwidth, the easier it is to make your internet feel faster – not necessarily by upgrading, but by reducing bottlenecks (like too many devices doing heavy stuff at the same time, weak Wi-Fi spots, or background downloads).

How does bandwidth work?

Here’s how bandwidth helps data travel across your devices and the web:

Data transmission

Every time you go online, little packets of data zip back and forth between your device and the internet. These packets make websites load, apps run, and videos play.

• Download vs. Upload: Most online activities rely heavily on downloading data (e.g. streaming a video). However, tasks like video calling or uploading files also require sufficient upload bandwidth.
• Simultaneous tasks: If you’re streaming a movie while uploading a large file, both activities demand sufficient bandwidth, and your connection will split its capacity accordingly.

Bandwidth allocation

Bandwidth isn’t infinite—it’s shared by all devices on your network.

• Dynamic sharing: Your router allocates bandwidth where it’s needed most. So, your streaming TV might get priority over a phone checking emails.
• Prioritisation: Some routers allow prioritisation (Quality of Service settings), ensuring critical activities like video calls receive more bandwidth while less important tasks, like downloads, are deprioritised. This is particularly useful when the kids want to watch a movie in 4k while you’re in video meetings.
• Multiple users: In a busy household or office, everyone’s vying for bandwidth. If one user streams music videos while another games online, their activities compete for bandwidth, potentially slowing down overall performance.

Impact of congestion

If everyone’s using the internet at the same time (especially during peak hours), your connection might get bogged down.

• Symptoms of congestion: Slower loading times, buffering videos, and lag in video calls are common signs of insufficient bandwidth.
• Causes: Congestion can result from multiple devices on the same network or external factors like peak usage times in your area.
• Solutions: Upgrading your broadband plan, reducing the number of connected devices, or using wired connections for high-demand tasks can help alleviate congestion and improve network speed.

By understanding how bandwidth works and its limitations, you can better manage your internet usage and optimise your connection. Whether it’s upgrading your plan or adjusting your router settings, knowing how much bandwidth you need ensures you stay connected without disruption.

What is bandwidth measured in?

Bandwidth is measured in bits per second (bps). Modern broadband connections typically use:

• Mbps (Megabits per second): Great for most households.
• Gbps (Gigabits per second): Found in high-speed fibre connections, ideal for businesses or data-heavy households.

For context:

• 1-10 Mbps can handle basic browsing and email.
• 100Mbps supports Ultra HD streaming and multiple users.
• 1Gbps delivers ultra-fast connections for gaming, 4K streaming, and smart homes.

What is bandwidth in WiFi?

WiFi networks distribute bandwidth wirelessly, connecting multiple devices to the internet without physical cables. Your WiFi router is responsible for distributing bandwidth wirelessly to all your devices, but how well it does that depends on a few factors:

1. Router Quality: Older routers might not handle multiple devices well, especially if you have a lot of smart home gadgets or stream from multiple devices at once. Luckily, all of Airband’s broadband packages come with at least one powerful WiFi 6 router.
2. Signal Strength: The further you are from your router, the slower your connection. Walls and furniture can mess with your signal too!
3. Interference: Devices like microwaves, baby monitors, and other electronics can interfere with your WiFi signal.

To get the best performance from your WiFi and internet service provider, you can do the following:

Position your router centrally

• Place the router in a central location within your home or office to ensure even coverage.
• Avoid positioning it near thick walls, large appliances, or corners of the building.

Limit interference

Keep the router away from devices like microwaves or cordless phones, which operate on similar frequencies.

Upgrade your router

• If your router is outdated or unable to handle multiple devices simultaneously, consider upgrading to a newer model with advanced features like MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) for improved device handling.
• Routers with WiFi 6 technology offer better speeds, greater efficiency, and the ability to manage more devices.
• Use wired connections for high-demand devices – for example, for activities requiring consistent and fast speeds, like gaming or streaming in 4K, consider connecting devices via ethernet cables to free up WiFi bandwidth for others.

Choose a high-performance broadband package

Upgrading to a reliable broadband package can have a big impact on your overall internet experience. Airband offers a range of broadband options tailored to meet your needs, including packages ideal for heavy streaming, online gaming, and multi-device households. Explore our broadband packages to find the perfect fit for your requirements.

How do I set my WiFi bandwidth?

Managing WiFi bandwidth ensures your devices run smoothly. Follow these steps to set limits:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel: (usually at 192.168.1.1) using the credentials found on the router or its manual.
2. Find Bandwidth or QoS Settings: Look for “Quality of Service (QoS)” or “Bandwidth Control” options.
3. Set Limits: Allocate bandwidth to specific devices or prioritise activities like streaming or gaming.
4. Save and Test: Save changes and check your network for improved performance.

If you’re wondering, “What bandwidth should I set my router to?” we recommend between 2.4 and 5 GHz. For seamless connectivity, explore Airband’s broadband packages tailored for multi-device households.

How do I check my network bandwidth?

While checking speed is easy with our broadband speed test, checking broadband takes a few extra steps. Here’s how to check bandwidth usage on a PC computer:

1. Click on “Settings” on your PC.
2. Select “Network & Internet”.
3. Click on the “Data Usage” tab.
4. Under the “Overview” tab, you’ll see a list of all your applications and the total data usage from the last 30 days.
5. Select “Usage Details” to view the data usage for each of your downloaded applications.

If you’re using a Mac computer, take these steps:

1. Select the following: “Apple Menu” > “System Preferences” > “Screen Time”.
2. Click on “App Usage” in the sidebar.
3. Click “Apps,” then select a specific app or select “All Apps” to view the data usage.

Understanding bandwidth terms

Some internet terms sound so similar that they’re often used interchangeably – but that doesn’t mean they’re the same.

Understanding the distinctions between them helps you identify what might be affecting your internet experience, and how to fix it. For example, if you’re dealing with slow load times despite a high-bandwidth connection, latency or network congestion might be to blame.

Bandwidth vs. Internet Speed

Bandwidth refers to how much information your connection can handle every second, while speed measures how fast that information is delivered. Let’s go back to our metaphor of a pipe, and imagine filling a bathtub:

• Bandwidth is about how much data can flow through your connection at once (like the width of a pipe).
• Speed is how quickly the water fills the tub, determined by the faucet’s size and pressure.

Both work together to determine how efficiently your internet performs.

Bandwidth vs. Latency

Latency, also known as delay or ping, is the time it takes for data to travel from its source to your device. Think of it as the lag you notice when waiting for a webpage to load or a video to start.

• Bandwidth is about the quantity of data sent per second.
• Latency is the time it takes for that data to reach you.

Even with high bandwidth, high latency can cause noticeable delays, especially during activities like gaming or video calls.

Bandwidth vs. Throughput

Throughput is the actual amount of data successfully delivered over a network in a specific timeframe. While bandwidth is the theoretical maximum capacity, throughput reflects real-world performance, factoring in:

• Latency
• Network congestion
• Packet loss
• Device capabilities

Basically, bandwidth is the potential, while throughput is the reality.

Want more bandwidth?

Bandwidth is a critical part of your internet connection, and by understanding its meaning, how it works, and what’s right for your needs, you can make informed decisions when choosing your broadband package.

If you’re unsure about your current setup or thinking about upgrading, Airband offers ultrafast packages to keep you connected without limits. Get in touch today at 01905 676 121 or search on our website find a broadband plan that keeps you connected.

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