Do I need 800 Mbps internet? (and what is it good for?)

An 800 Mbps connection can sufficiently support bandwidth-intensive activities and various smart home devices. It can handle simultaneous video streaming, gaming and large file downloads for up to ten users in a household with minimal disruptions.

Let’s look at the following use cases and how 800 Mbps can handle them:

Online gaming requires a lot of data transfer for high-quality graphics, sound and animation. For a decent gaming experience, a gamer needs at least 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps to 20 Mbps upload speeds. This means an 800 Mbps internet connection is fast enough for gaming in homes where multiple people play online simultaneously.

With an 800 Mbps connection, you’ll be able to:

• Play and host gaming sessions on multiple devices simultaneously.
• Quickly access and download large game files and updates.
• Stream high-resolution gameplay consistently on platforms like Twitch or YouTube.
• Access cloud gaming services.
• Play games on VR/AR platforms.

Furthermore, consider investing in a gaming router to optimize your 800 Mbps internet speeds, reduce latency and increase bandwidth capacity to enhance your gaming experience even more.

An internet connection speed of 800 Mbps is sufficient for streaming HD and 4K content on platforms like YouTube, Spotify and Hulu. Hulu, for example, recommends a minimum download speed of 16 Mbps for streaming 4K content, which can run on up to 50 devices simultaneously with minimal video buffering.

An 800 Mbps internet connection enables you to:

• Stream 4K and 8K content with minimal buffering on multiple devices.
• Livestream videos that are ultra-high-definition for online viewers.
• Stream VR and AR content consistently for an immersive experience.
• Stream high-definition gameplay videos on platforms like YouTube.
• Upload high-definition content quickly to social media platforms.

Streaming is one of the most bandwidth-intensive online activities. Assess your household’s streaming needs before deciding on a high speed option. If you are concerned about bandwidth, consider a higher-speed option, like 1 Gig internet.

An 800 Mbps internet connection is fast enough to facilitate work-from-home activities efficiently. Most activities require video conferencing, large file transfers and access to cloud services. 800 Mbps is ideal for such activities, with video conferencing platforms like Zoom requiring at least 3.8 Mbps for HD calls.

800 Mbps enables efficient management of work-from-home tasks, including:

• Downloading and uploading large files quickly
• Accessing cloud services like Google Drive or One Drive consistently
• High-quality video conferencing
• Accessing project collaboration platforms like Slack and Asana quickly
• Accessing cloud-based development platforms

If you are concerned about your remote work tasks straining your bandwidth capacity, consider upgrading to higher speeds, such as 1500 Mbps, or consult your ISP to discover a plan that perfectly fits your needs.

An 800 Mbps internet connection provides ample bandwidth for integrating smart devices, IoT gadgets and personal devices.

Here’s how 800 Mbps can benefit your smart home:

• High-definition security footage from security cameras
• Quick automated responses to commands
• Capacity to handle future smart home innovations that require higher bandwidth
• Reliable connection to emergency alert systems
• Seamless integration with cloud-based AI assistants

Remember that, unlike personal devices, smart home devices have 24-hour access to your network’s capacity. If you are concerned about bandwidth strain between smart and personal devices, choose higher-speed solutions with more bandwidth capacity.

An 800 Mbps internet connection is sufficient for a household of two to four people living in an apartment. It provides enough upload and download speeds for gaming, streaming and working from home across multiple devices simultaneously.

Learn more: What do I need to set up internet in an apartment?

An 800 Mbps internet connection can adequately host multiple users and devices in a large home. However, a sudden increase in users and devices, for example, during family events and get-togethers, can lead to network congestion and bandwidth strain.

Furthermore, large houses with multiple floors and thick walls may contain dead zones with little WiFi coverage. To fully harness the potential of 800 Mbps in a large home, consider investing in a mesh WiFi system, which ensures consistent and robust coverage across every corner of your house.

Learn more: If you’ve just moved, find out how to set up the internet in a new home

The best internet speed depends on how many people and devices use the internet simultaneously in your house and the activities they engage in.

Before deciding on the internet speeds you need, ask yourself the following questions regarding your usage habits:

• How many people in the house will have simultaneous internet access?
  Each additional person or device in the home increases the demand for bandwidth.
• What activities do the people in the household engage in?
  Determine your household’s top internet activities, such as streaming, gaming, working and learning from home. Consider the upload speeds, download speeds and bandwidth required to handle these activities adequately.
• What number of devices are connected?
  Determine the number and type of connected devices, including personal and smart home devices. If you plan on adding more devices, consider Gigabit internet speeds.
• Am I content with my current internet speeds?
  Identify any internet issues you may be facing with your current internet connection.
• What are my future internet needs?
  Do you expect any changes in your internet preferences? Will you add more devices or engage in more data-intensive activities?
• What internet plans are available currently?
  Check with local internet service providers to learn what plans and speeds are available in your area.

Learn More: How much internet speed do you need?

You must have the correct equipment to access and make the most of an 800 Mbps internet connection. Here are the equipment requirements you need:

Router: A high-quality router that supports high speed connections is required to distribute internet signals to your wired and wireless devices. Look for a router that provides Ethernet connections and supports the latest WiFi protocols.

Modem: A fiber- or DOCSIS-compatible modem is necessary to translate optical signals from a fiber or coax connection to electrical signals so your router and devices can communicate.

Internet service providers typically offer a router and modem when setting up your internet connection. However, if your ISP allows it,  you can bring your own modem and router. Ensure they are compatible with your ISP’s network and can handle 800 Mbps internet speeds.

800 Mbps is fast and sufficient for households with up to ten users engaged in various activities including online gaming, streaming in 4K and working and learning from home. It provides ample bandwidth for multiple devices and ensures a smooth and responsive internet experience, making it a solid choice for many households.

However, if you expect more users and devices with increased usage demands, consider higher tiers like Gigabit internet speeds or talk to your ISP about your needs to find the right internet speed.