How to choose the best Internet for students

A strong internet connection is essential to keep students connected with their classmates, professors, and communities. Here’s what you should know when choosing a student internet plan.

What’s the recommended mbps for students?

For students living alone in their own apartment or home, a 10 Mbps download internet connection could be sufficient, as this supports basic functions like general web browsing, emailing, video calling and even internet gaming and streaming music. However, for college students living with roommates, a faster connection of up to 25 Mbps download speed may be a better option, as this connection can support multiple users who want to stream media, surf the web and video chat simultaneously.

Upload speeds are another critical thing to think about when you’re shopping for the best internet for students. Many types of internet connection, including standard cable internet, have significantly slower upload speeds than download speeds. That can be a major issue for students if it creates lag and buffering on their internet connection during online classes or collaborative projects.

If you’re looking for more specific advice on a good mbps for students, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) offers official speed recommendations for download speeds for various online activities. Here are some examples of what can be considered a suitable speed for your internet connection type:

• Connection: DSL
  • Upload: 1-20 Mbps
  • Download: 3-145 Mbps
• Connection: Cable
  • Upload: 1-50 Mbps
  • Download: 25-1,000 Mbps
• Connection: Fiber
  • Upload: 30-5,000 Mbps
  • Download: 30-5,000 Mbps

Brightspeed’s fiber internet can be a game-changer for students who need high-performance internet service. With symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 940 Mbps, students can attend virtual classes, video chat with friends and family, and stream video virtually lag-free.

Setting up WiFi for students

Students need not only a strong and reliable internet connection, but a stable WiFi signal as well. If there’s more than one person using the internet, then a WiFi connection will be essential, as WiFi allows multiple devices to connect wirelessly to the network from anywhere in the house or apartment.

Brightspeed modem — and most modems that you can buy or rent today from an internet provider — have WiFi built right in, meaning they can act as a router as well. All you have to do is set up and connect to the network. Here’s how to set up your Brightspeed modem and activate service.

Improving WiFi coverage for college students

For college students who live in a larger apartment or house, WiFi coverage may be spotty. These are some helpful tips that can improve your WiFi signal:

• Router Location: WiFi signal gets stronger the closer your device is to the router (or modem/router combo). The best place for the router is usually a centralized location in the home, surrounded by as few walls as possible.

• WiFi Extenders: Extenders work to improve signal quality throughout your space, taking your existing WiFi signal and helping it gain strength throughout the space. To use, you place the first extender unit close to your modem, and then place one or more additional units throughout your home, extending both Ethernet and WiFi access to areas where you’re struggling to get an adequate signal. Find out more about common signs you could benefit from a WiFi extender.

• Dual-Band Wireless: Most modern modems and routers also have dual-band wireless, meaning you can connect your devices to whichever frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) gives you the strongest signal.

Still working on improving your WiFi coverage? Learn more about how to improve your WiFi signal.

Secure your student WiFi connection