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<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-2"><strong>What exactly is download speed?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">The download speed determines how quickly data can travel from the Internet to your device. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Whether you're loading a website or updating an operating system, that data is coming from somewhere and traveling across your connection into your home.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="The Internet bandwidth and download speeds explained" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-a-high-download-speed-2.png" style="display:block; height:312px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:512px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>The Internet bandwidth and download speeds explained</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">When it comes to Internet speed, people often talk about download speed. </p>

<p dir="ltr">This is also the speed that most providers refer to when they advertise their speeds.</p>

<p dir="ltr">See also:  <strong>What is the average upload and download speed </strong>for you? </p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-14"><strong>What is a high download speed?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">The minimum download speed requirement for high-speed Internet according to the US regulators is 25 megabits per second (Mbps).</p>

<p dir="ltr">This definition states that high-speed Internet can be delivered through fiber-optic, wireless, cable, satellite, or DSL technology.</p>

<p dir="ltr">A download speed of at least 4 Mbps was the prior standard for defining broadband by the Federal Communications Commission.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="A high download speed is at least 25 Mbps" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-a-high-download-speed-3.png" style="display:block; height:284px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:512px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>A high download speed is at least 25 Mbps</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">Having said that, we can understand the download speed below 25 Mbps will be considered slow.</p>

<p dir="ltr">But what causes a slow download speed?</p>

<p dir="ltr">Read on to find the answer…</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-26"><strong>How much difference can a high download speed make?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Small speed increases like 15 to 25 Mbps probably won't have much of an impact on performance.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Yet, bigger jumps like 10 to 100 Mbps can completely change your experience.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Given below are the anticipated times it would take to download a 4GB file at various speeds.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Have a look and you’ll get an idea of how much speed can affect downloading.</p>

<table align="center" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><strong>Download speed</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><strong>Download duration</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">1 Mbps</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">9:32:39</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">10 Mbps</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">0:57:15</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">25 Mbps</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">0:22:54</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">50 Mbps</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">0:11:27</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">100 Mbps</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">0:05:43</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">200 Mbps</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">0:02:51</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">400 Mbps</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">0:01:25</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">1,000 Mbps</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">0:00:34</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p dir="ltr">As you can see, with the same file size, you need to spend nearly 1 hour to download at 10 Mbps speed.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, the time needed is more than 5 minutes if your download speed is 100 Mbps.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Remember that based on a constant speed, these download times are only estimations. </p>

<p dir="ltr">As was already noted, a variety of variables can impact Internet speeds and the amount of time needed to complete a specific task.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-85"><strong>What causes slow download speed?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Most of us have experienced slow download speeds at some point in our lives.</p>

<p dir="ltr">When you use the Internet, long loading times, unexpected pauses, and crashed programs are sure signs that your Internet speed isn't meeting your needs. </p>

<p dir="ltr">So, <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/what-is-slowing-down-my-download-speed-712">what is slowing down my download speed?</a></p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Reason for slow download speed" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-a-high-download-speed-4.png" style="display:block; height:288px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:512px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Reason for slow download speed</em></p>

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/why-is-my-internet-so-slow" rel="nofollow">Slow Internet speeds</a> can be caused by a variety of factors. </p>

<p dir="ltr">For example, your router could be out of date or too far away from your TV or computer. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Your Internet connection speed can also be affected by the following things:</p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">Add-on programs</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">The amount of memory the computer has</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">Hard disk space and condition</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">The programs that are running. </p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Bandwidth throttling could be another cause of your slow Wi-Fi.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-109"><strong>How much download speed do you really require at home?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Let's face it: choosing the right Internet speed for your home is a function of both your budget and your needs. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Any speed of 200 Mbps or higher is considered "fast." </p>

<p dir="ltr">A Gigabit speed or service is defined as anything close to or equal to 1000 Mbps.</p>

<p dir="ltr">These are premium service packages that are frequently only available in areas where service providers have networks in place to support these speeds.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Most households, however, do not require this level of speed. </p>

<p dir="ltr">These speeds are typically reserved for businesses or high-traffic, high-demand networks such as university campuses. </p>

<p dir="ltr">The amount of speed required by your household is probably less than you think.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="A high download speed for your home " src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-a-high-download-speed-5.png" style="display:block; height:288px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:512px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>A high download speed for your home </em></p>

<p dir="ltr">For most households, a high download speed is 10 Mbps per person. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Of course, what constitutes a high download speed for you is heavily dependent on what you do online and the number of devices on your home network. </p>

<p dir="ltr">For basic web browsing or email, 10 Mbps is sufficient to provide a smooth online experience.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Video streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, are among the most bandwidth-intensive activities that people engage in. </p>

<p dir="ltr">If you have some TVs streaming movies and iPads streaming YouTube, you need a high download speed to do some heavy lifting and avoid the wrath of buffering.</p>

<p dir="ltr">No doubt about it: high-speed Internet has become the essential heartbeat of homes, keeping everyone connected at home, work, and play.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-128"><strong>Tips for enhancing a high download speed</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Enhancing download speed is needed in case your Internet connectivity is not as you expected.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, before you take action, it’s necessary to know your current download speed and make sure it’s insufficient for your needs. </p>

<p dir="ltr">To do that, you can visit some Internet speed test websites, like My Speed, Speedtest, Speedofme, etc.</p>

<p dir="ltr">They’re all reliable testing tools that will give you the details of your Internet connection.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="MySpeed at gospeedcheck.com" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-a-high-download-speed-6.png" style="display:block; height:258px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:512px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>MySpeed at gospeedcheck.com</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">When your <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/download-speed-test-538">download speed test</a> results aren't good as you expected, you have a few options for improving your Internet speed.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-140"><strong>Look for Wifi obstructions</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr">Your signal may be hampered by items such as stone, brick, metal studs, glass, numerous floors, and walls between your computer and router.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Placing your router in the center of your home can improve signal connectivity in all rooms, which is the first step to faster Internet. </p>

<p dir="ltr">If you can't place the router in a convenient location, clear your path of any obstacles to improve your connection.</p>

<p dir="ltr">If your Internet connection is still slow, try moving your router around to discover where it performs best. </p>

<p dir="ltr">The best location for your router is up high and in the middle of the house, like in your living room. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Avoid areas with a lot of windows or equipment made of metal (especially the kitchen).</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Place your router in the home’s center" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-a-high-download-speed-7.png" style="display:block; height:410px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:512px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Place your router in the home’s center</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-152"><strong>Secure the network</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr">People can misuse your bandwidth, which will slow down your Internet, especially if your wireless router wasn't properly configured.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Anyone within the range of your network could access your Internet signal if it is not protected.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Log into your router's settings, turn off network sharing, and add a password to secure your signal to increase Internet speed and stop unauthorized users from accessing your network.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Special attention must be paid to selecting a secure password.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Secure your network" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-a-high-download-speed-8.png" style="display:block; height:268px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:512px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Secure your network</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">To prevent hackers and unauthorized users, think about including a variety of numbers and symbols and changing passwords regularly.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In addition, you should conceal the name of your network, and designate a network just for visitors.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Also, set up a firewall to guard against viruses and utilize a virtual private network (or VPN) to encrypt all of your sensitive data.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-165"><strong>Check auto-updating programs</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr">Your computer is running numerous apps and programs in the background while you're working. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Without you knowing it, these programs' automatic upgrades may cause your speed to decrease.</p>

<p dir="ltr">To solve it, start the Task Manager on your PC or Activity Monitor on your Mac.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Then, check to see what applications are operating in the background and identify the source of the sluggishness.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="You should turn off automatically update" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-a-high-download-speed-9.png" style="display:block; height:353px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:512px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>You should turn off automatically update</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-175"><strong>Run a malware check</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr">Malware can consume your bandwidth and jam up your Internet by sending emails with viruses attached and other contagious material to others.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Slow Internet, sporadic pop-up notifications, an overloaded hard disk, and apps launching on their own are all indicators that your computer has a virus.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You should restart your computer, go into Safe Mode, erase all temporary files, and download a virus scanner to get rid of the malware.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Malware removal safeguards your personal data and instantly speeds up your Internet.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="You’d better check for malware" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-a-high-download-speed-10.png" style="display:block; height:261px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:512px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>You’d better check for malware</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-185"><strong>Optimize the web browser</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr">Consider using a web browser that has been optimized for a higher download speed.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Extensions are offered by browsers like Firefox to stop the pop-ups and adverts that slow down the Internet. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Chrome requires a small amount of RAM and does not require Flash or JavaScript, both of which reduce bandwidth. </p>

<p dir="ltr">These browsers reduce your need for Internet access so you can work more quickly.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Besides, they frequently release new versions to keep your Internet current and fast.</p>

<p dir="ltr">So great, right?</p>

<p> </p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Some web browsers" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-a-high-download-speed-11.png" style="display:block; height:341px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:512px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Some web browsers</em></p>
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