The Pros and Cons of 2 GIG Residential Internet
In the ever-evolving landscape of internet speeds, the need for faster and more reliable connections continues to grow. At InfoWest, we are proud to offer our fiber customers speeds of up to 2 Gigabits per second (GIG). But what does having a 2 GIG connection really mean for you, and is it the right choice for your household? Let's explore the pros and cons of opting for an InfoWest 2 GIG residential internet plan.
### What Does 2 GIG Really Mean?
When you sign up for InfoWest's 2 GIG plan, you're essentially getting one of the fastest residential internet speeds available today. This translates to ultra-fast download and upload speeds, which can significantly enhance your online experience, especially when you have multiple devices connected simultaneously or engage in data-intensive activities like streaming 4K videos, online gaming, or running a home office or server.
### The Pros of 2 GIG Internet
1. **Unmatched Speed for Multiple Users**: In households with numerous devices and heavy internet usage, an InfoWest 2 GIG connection ensures that everyone can enjoy a seamless online experience. Whether it's streaming, gaming, or video conferencing, you won't experience any lag or buffering. InfoWest’s 2 GIG is also great for larger families that use the internet a lot.
2. **Future-Proofing Your Internet**: While 99% of current customers might not need 2 GIG right now, having such a high-speed connection can be seen as future-proofing your internet needs. As technology evolves and new applications emerge, having a robust connection will keep you and your family ahead of the curve.
3. **Superior Upload Speeds**: For those who upload large files regularly, such as content creators or remote workers, InfoWest’s 2 GIG plan offers significantly faster upload speeds compared to standard plans. This can save you time and enhance productivity.
4. **Enhanced Streaming and Gaming**: With your InfoWest 2 GIG connection, you can stream 4K or even 8K content without buffering and enjoy online gaming with minimal latency. This is ideal for entertainment enthusiasts who demand the best performance.
### The Cons of 2 GIG Internet
1. **Hardware Limitations**: One of the main issues with a 2 GIG plan is that most consumer-grade routers and devices aren't equipped to handle such high speeds. Most routers have 1 GIG Ethernet ports, meaning each device hard wired via Ethernet will only experience speeds up to 1 GIG. To fully utilize 2 GIG, you'd need a specialized router with 2 GIG ports, which may be costly. This is why a 2 GIG capable router is included with your InfoWest 2 GIG internet.
2. **WiFi Speed Constraints**: WiFi technology also imposes limitations. Many devices won't achieve the full 2 GIG speed over WiFi due to hardware and interference constraints. 2 GIG is best for hardwired connections. However, a Wifi connection and hardwired connection in the same home will have plenty of bandwidth available for both to use at the same time.
3. **Speed Test Discrepancies**: Running a speed test on a standard device will not show the full 2 GIG speed as a number of older customer devices are not capable of transmitting data as fast as 2 GIG. However, with the InfoWest Connect+ App along side your InfoWest 2 GIG router, you can run speed tests directly from the router to make sure you’re getting the 2 GIG speeds.
4. **High Costs**: Upgrading your home network to fully utilize 2 GIG can be expensive. Routers with 2 GIG ports can cost around $700, and you'll also need compatible cables and end-devices. This initial investment might not be justifiable for many households. Luckily, InfoWest includes a 2 GIG capable router with each InfoWest 2 GIG Fiber plan.
### Conclusion
While the 2 GIG plan from InfoWest offers some of the fastest internet speeds available, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. For most households, a 1 GIG plan might be more than sufficient and cost-effective. However, if you're a tech enthusiast, have a large family with heavy internet usage, or simply want to future-proof your internet connection, InfoWest’s 2 GIG plan could be a valuable investment.
At InfoWest, we are committed to providing you with the ultimate internet experience. Whether you choose our 1 GIG or 2 GIG plan, you can trust that you're getting top-tier service and support.
