Do I need 2 Gig internet? (and what is it good for?)

2 Gig internet is a fast connection and is capable of transferring 2000 Megabits per second. A single Gigabit contains 1 million bits, meaning 2 Gig internet transfers data at 2000 million bits per second. 2 Gig internet is also called “2000 Mbps internet”, “2G” or “2 Gbps”.

A 2 Gig internet connection will allow you to:

• Connect 12–20 users on a single home network, supporting devices that need a strong signal for high-bandwidth tasks.
• Access fiber optic internet services for cloud platforms, data transfers and even smart home backup systems.
• Stream HD, gigabyte-heavy 4K content or even Gbps-level video across multiple screens without buffering.
• Play MMORPG, VR or AR games with minimal interruptions, even during network congestion.
• Download massive files faster, reaching speeds only possible with Gig fiber.

Most people consider download speeds when choosing internet plans, but upload speeds are also important for tasks like large file uploads, video conferencing and online gaming. Keep in mind that speeds also vary based on your network traffic, device performance and WiFi speeds. Use Astound’s easy check availability tool to confirm coverage and explore the best fiber service plans in your area

2 Gig internet is much faster than 1 Gig. If you choose a 2 Gig internet plan, you’ll be doubling your bandwidth so you can connect more devices and engage in more data-intensive activities simultaneously.

If you’re trying to choose between 1 Gig and 2 Gig internet, you should consider your specific habits, the number of connected devices and whether you’ll engage in high-bandwidth activities. If you are a tech-heavy user with significant demands, a 2 Gig connection can help futureproof your household.

While 1 Gig is a great speed, 2 Gig internet can help resolve any bandwidth limitations when many high-demand applications are running at once. However, if you’re in a location where 2 Gig internet is still being established but want more bandwidth than 1 Gig offers, look into 1.5 Gig internet as a solution.

2 Gig internet is fast enough for most households with 12–20 simultaneous users in need of internet access and their devices. However, whether the speed is fast enough for your home will depend on the bandwidth consumed by each user and their devices.

The following use cases give a breakdown of what a 2 Gig internet connection can handle.

Some online games only require speeds of up to 25 Mbps per person per device. However, competitive players will want to have at least 100 Mbps available at all times.

2 Gig internet provides enough internet speed for gaming in homes with multiple users across different devices.

With a 2 Gig internet connection, you’ll be able to:

• Download large games or updates very quickly. For example, with a 2 Gig internet connection, a 10GB file can be downloaded in 40 seconds. With a 100 Mbps internet connection, the same file would take over 13 minutes to download.
• Game online across multiple PCs, consoles or other gaming devices.
• Download small, medium and large games, as well as version updates.
• Stream 4K or 8K video on platforms like YouTube or Twitch.

If you’re a serious gamer who plays and streams in 8K, you’ll want 2 Gig internet speeds.

In addition to a Gigabit internet plan, consider investing in a dedicated gaming router to optimize your speeds, reduce latency and create high-quality streaming experiences, especially if you’re trying to stream full-time.

2 Gig internet is perfect for streaming HD, 4K and 8K content, as well as VR and AR streaming.

Generally, platforms like Netflix require 30 to 50 Mbps to watch shows in 8K quality. 4K VR and AR streaming can demand up to 400 Mbps of bandwidth.

With a 2 Gig internet connection, you will be able to stream:

• 4K videos and high-fidelity music across multiple devices and users.
• Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) experiences.
• High-quality gameplay videos to an online audience on YouTube or Twitch.
• High-quality video and audio to viewers on social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram.

The number of people and devices in your home determines the quality of your streaming. If you’re still worried about bandwidth, consider speeds higher than 2 Gig.

If you’re deciding whether or not a 2 Gig connection is enough for your apartment, consider the number of people, devices and habits.

Generally, 2 Gig internet in a large apartment should provide enough speed for a family to game, stream, work from home and access online learning simultaneously. If you’ve just changed apartments, find out how to set up internet and WiFi in a new apartment.

In most cases, large homes hold more people, personal devices and smart devices. A 2 Gig connection can host multiple users and devices, including cameras, HVAC systems, smart lights and other tech. However, regardless of your speed tier, a sudden surge in users, devices or integrated tech could slow your speed.

In addition, large houses may contain dead zones with poor coverage, such as hallways, balconies or stairways. If you’re worried about dead zones, consider using a mesh system to expand coverage.

Astound’s Whole Home WiFi expands coverage, reduces signal interference and optimizes the performance of your wireless devices. Moreover, mesh WiFi routers are flexible, modular and moveable. Want more coverage throughout your home? Just place an eero where you want a connection.

If you’ve just moved and aren’t sure how to get started, learn how to set up your internet in a new home

Determining the worth of 2 Gig internet depends on your personal preferences, the number of users and devices in your home, as well as your online activities.

Average households have more than 25 devices tied to one single network in their home. These devices can be smart TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, home security systems, appliances or game consoles.

If each of those devices is using at least 50 Mbps, for example, your bandwidth use may be as high as 1250 Mbps (1.25 Gbps). Faster speeds will give better internet access for your lifestyle and needs.

You might want to upgrade to Gigabit speeds if you experience any of these issues:

• • Network congestion
  • An increase of users in your household
  • An increase of devices in your household
  • Frequent buffering when streaming
  • Long load times when streaming
  • Latency or lag while gaming online
  • Slow uploads or downloads
  • Connectivity issues
  • Poor video or audio call quality
  • Failure of smart or IoT devices

Make sure to perform regular speed tests to understand the speed your ISP is providing, and optimize your WiFi regularly. If you still don’t see improvement, it might be time to consider upgrading to a faster speed.

Will my devices work with 2 Gig speeds? If your devices are upgraded with the latest hardware and 2 Gig–enabled network interface controllers, they’ll support 2 Gig speeds. You can check compatibility in your smartphone or computer network settings or by visiting the manufacturer’s website. Older devices with outdated cards or equipment may not connect at full speed.