Why is Upload Speed Important?

When choosing an Internet package, many people focus on the download speed. Download speed is typically faster than upload speed because most of the activities we do online require downloads. However, you should take upload speed into consideration as well.  Upload speed is particularly important for businesses and gamers.  This blog will explore everything you need to know about upload speed and how it influences your Internet plan.

Check the speeds available to your home!

When comparing upload and download speed, the main difference is the direction your data travels. Download speed measures how quickly content reaches your device, while upload speed measures how quickly data is sent from it. If you are wondering what is upload speed used for, think about activities such as video calls, cloud backups, uploading large files, and sending footage from security cameras.

Key Takeaways

• Upload speed determines how quickly your device can send data online, making it important for video calls, cloud backups, file sharing, livestreaming, and security cameras.
• A fast internet connection needs enough download and upload capacity to support everything happening across your connected devices at the same time.
• Multiple users can increase demand on your connection, especially when several people are making video calls, uploading files, gaming, or using cloud services.
• Businesses often need more upload capacity as their number of employees and connected devices grows, particularly for video conferencing, VoIP calls, VPNs, and file transfers.
• Gamers may need faster upload speeds when livestreaming gameplay, while gaming alone typically requires less bandwidth than streaming, video calls, and other simultaneous activities.

What is Download Speed?

Download speed refers to the speed at which your computer/device receives data in the form of images, videos, text, files, and audio from a server.  It’s measured in Mbps (Megabits per second).  Activities like streaming music on Spotify or Apple Music, downloading files for work, or streaming videos on Crave or Netflix all require you to download data.  Download speed is typically faster than upload speed because most of what we do online consists of downloads.

So, what is a fast internet speed? The answer depends on how you use your connection. When deciding what speed is considered high speed internet, look at both download and upload capacity. You need enough download speed for streaming and browsing, along with enough upload speed to support video calls, file sharing, and other tasks happening at the same time.

What is Upload Speed?

Upload speed refers to how long it takes for data in all its forms to be transmitted from your computer/device to the Internet server. It is also measured in Mbps (Megabits per second).  Upload speed impacts your video calls since you are essentially uploading a live video.  The same is true for live streaming.  Here are some examples of online activities that require a minimal amount of upload capabilities and speed.

• Using cloud services like Dropbox.
• Sharing photos online to places like Instagram or Google Photos.
• Using P2P file sharing services.
• Making VoIP phone calls.

There are activities that require more upload speed to accomplish.  Here are some examples and what the recommended upload speed is for each activity.

Making video calls over services like Skype or FaceTime. 

– Skype recommends 1.2 Mbps upload speeds for HD video calling. Visit their website for more information.

Uploading or live streaming videos to YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. 

– YouTube has recommendations for the speeds necessary to support a variety of video qualities. Visit this page for more information.

– Facebook has similar recommendations. Visit this page for more information.

Home security camera footage. 

– The upload speeds required for a Google Nest vary depending on the model you have. Visit their website for more information.

Live streaming games on services like Twitch or Facebook Gaming.

– Twitch has some recommendations for modifying your video quality depending on your Internet speeds. Check out this page to learn more. 

If you are close to using full capacity of your connection, in either uploads or downloads, traffic will bottleneck. This can result in latency, which will impact your activities. A good rule of thumb is to plan to use 85% of your Internet connection’s advertised ability.

When deciding what is a good download and upload speed, add the needs of every active device, then leave room for busy periods. A household that uploads videos, joins several video calls, or runs cloud-connected cameras will need more upload capacity than one that mainly browses and streams.

Upload Traffic Increasing

Demand for faster upload speeds has increased rapidly because more than ever before, people are working from home and uploading files, connecting to VPNs, video conferencing, or placing VoIP calls!  Building the capacity for this has become top of mind for many ISPs, including Execulink Telecom.

Faster uploads matter when several people work, learn, and communicate online at once. When comparing home internet plans, ask internet providers for the advertised upload rate as well as the download rate because the lower number can affect calls, backups, and file sharing.

Upload Speed for Your Business

Choosing the right Internet speed is crucial for fostering employee engagement and productivity, downloading files quickly, and communicating with customers properly.  A deciding factor on what Internet plan you decide to go with is the number of employees you have. If you have two people uploading data, the upload speed is cut in half.  If you have 5 people uploading, then it will take even longer for each person’s upload to complete.  The same is true for downloading.  Larger businesses with more users will require faster speeds.

At Execulink you can have a Shared Business Internet plan which is appropriate if your business requires a simple connection that is reliable, economical, and can keep your employees connected.  Businesses with this form of Internet share the infrastructure with other businesses nearby. Whereas, a Dedicated Business Internet connection provides your business with service that isn’t shared.

Execulink offers Business Internet upload speeds from 1 Mbps to a synchronous 1 Gbps. We will work with you to determine which Internet type is best for your business and how we can accommodate your future needs.

Upload Speed for Gaming

In the online gaming community, there is contention about the optimum speeds needed to have a seamless experience while playing.  Compared to the regular Internet user, online gamers are constantly sending data to the server – through game actions or messages to other players during a multi-player game.

A minimum of 1 Mbps upload speed is recommended for most casual online gaming sessions. The number of devices you have connected in your home will also impact your gaming experience.  You should consider plans that have a 5-50 Mbps upload speed to support your devices.  If you need to confirm your current speed, check out our speed test.

For professional gamers, upload speeds are a more pressing concern.  Streaming content on platforms like Twitch or Facebook Gaming require a faster upload speed than if you were just playing a standard online game.  To accumulate followers your stream must be high quality, consistent, and reliable.

Gaming itself may use modest bandwidth, but streaming gameplay, voice chat, updates, and other household activity can run together. Test the wired connection at different times and compare the result with the plan’s advertised upload rate before assuming the game or console is the cause.

High-Speed Internet with Execulink Telecom

Whether you’re looking for higher speed options for work and gaming or basic packages for surfing the Internet, we have the services you and your business deserve.

With 24/7 support and a wide range of Internet options to suit every lifestyle, we have the awesome services your home or business needs to stay connected to what matters the most! Call us at 1-866-706-1942 today, and visit our Internet or Business Internet page to find the Internet package you’ve been looking for! Explore your Business Internet options!

Fibre internet can offer higher upload capacity, but available speeds vary by address and plan. Compare high-speed internet options using both directions of service, any data limits, and support. Unlimited internet plans remove usage caps, but you should still confirm that the upload rate fits the way your household uses the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal internet speed for a home?

There is no single ideal speed for every home internet connection. Count the people, connected devices, video calls, cloud backups, gaming streams, and large file uploads that may run at once. Choose a plan that can handle that combined demand with some spare capacity.

What’s a good internet upload speed for multiple devices?

A good rate depends on how many devices upload at the same time and what they do. Light browsing needs little upload capacity, while several video calls, cloud backups, security cameras, or live streams need more. Compare the plan’s advertised rate with your busiest expected use.

What are upload speeds used for in everyday life?

Upload speed sends data from your device to the internet. It supports video calls, sharing files and photos, cloud backups, voice calls, online gaming, livestreaming, and sending footage from smart cameras.