Worth upgrading internet speed?

[mk313]

I realize this is going to be subjective, and there is probably no right answer, but I'm wondering if I would be worth it to upgrade my internet speed. I'm with Spectrum and pretty happy with them overall. We have a 100 mbps connection currently, and they now offer up to 400 mbps in our area. 100 mbps has always been fast enough for my needs. Now with everyone working/going to school at home, I'm not sure if I'm missing out on anything by having only 100 mbps speed.

When I do a Speedtest on my work computer (on vpn), it only gets around 30 mb, but if I do it without the vpn running, it gets the full 100 mb. I've had minor issues with webex meetings occasionally, but it seems like that is more due to the vpn than my internet speed (or possibly one of the other attendee's connections).

Videos load & files download quickly enough for me. But I don't know if I'm missing out on something I'm not thinking of (like would I get a faster work vpn connection if my internet were faster or some other benefit that I haven't thought of). I guess what I'm asking is, does anyone who knows more about this than I do, feel like 100 mbps would cause any bottlenecks for a couple working at home (both with regular office type jobs, and mainly using computers for webex meetings, internet, emails, Microsoft office, etc)?

Thanks in advance,

 

[hallux]

When I do a Speedtest on my work computer (on vpn), it only gets around 30 mb, but if I do it without the vpn running, it gets the full 100 mb. I've had minor issues with webex meetings occasionally, but it seems like that is more due to the vpn than my internet speed (or possibly one of the other attendee's connections).

This is entirely related to your work VPN connection. A faster home internet will likely not result in a faster VPN connection.

Other than this 30 Mbps speed test on the VPN, are you seeing other possible bandwidth-related issues?

 

[zhenya]

Yeah, your vpn is the bottleneck, although 30Mbps through the vpn is quite good. There doesn't seem to be any reason to upgrade. We are on a 100Mb plan with 5 people working/schooling from home, often on simultaneous video calls. No issues.

Most people's weak point will be the network inside their home. If you work in different areas of the home wirelessly, and have issues, upgrading your wifi system would be far more valuable than adding additional bandwidth with your ISP.

 

[MacNut]

Your company is throttling the VPN so everyone can get on.

 

[Infinite Vortex]

I get 100Mbps (up- and down-stream) out of my VPN service over a 600Mpbs FIOS. I don't use it very often so it doesn't pose a great impact for me. FWIW, I find 100Mbps too slow for my day to day and 600Mbps isn't a massive improvement over 300Mbps even though its double on the wrapper. 300Mbps is around my sweet spot although I have a choice of only 100 or 600… so 600 it is.

I doubt you'd see much of an improvement, if any, with 400Mpbs if VPN is part of the equation.

 

[mk313]

Thank you guys! This is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. Much appreciated.

To answer the one question asked, no I’m not experiencing any other bandwidth related issues that I’m aware of.

Sounds like I’ll stick with my current internet package.

 

[Infinite Vortex]

Just an update, now with the use of WireGuard I can now get this through my VPN (probably more if connected at the right time to the right server)…

EDIT : Ooooops, that was going across the pond from the EU to the US. Here something much more local via my VPN service…

 

[Tech198]

could be just webex , or any path along the way.... if everything else is normal, it doesn't make sense to upgrade just because your neighbor has.

Its not internet plan that is the issue, its now much more bandwidth your ISP provides in these crists situations at matter.

So a faster plan may not help if your ISP doesn't have enough bandwidth to cope in the first place when the demand increases. A VPN reduces by about 20% speed loss, but depends on connected location.

 

[pshufd]

I'm provisioned for 100 but speed tests show 10-100. It's typically 20-30 during the work day. I could upgrade speed but I suspect that there are bottlenecks in my neighborhood that would result in the same speeds most of the time, even with a better provision. I have considered getting a second service. The second service available to me is 10 mbps DSL - but it's dedicated.

 

[Dimwhit]

Man, I wish I had that decision to make. I was just finally able to upgrade to 60Mbps for my service. I'd kill for 400Mbps or higher. I mean, for the most part, 60 is fine, but my upload is only 5Mbps. With things like online backup, it really sucks.

 

[pshufd]

Man, I wish I had that decision to make. I was just finally able to upgrade to 60Mbps for my service. I'd kill for 400Mbps or higher. I mean, for the most part, 60 is fine, but my upload is only 5Mbps. With things like online backup, it really sucks.

We theoretically have 1-2 gbps available for some large number of dollars per month. My modem is from 2011 and only supports up to 160 mbps. Potential speeds today are insane. We basically require 25 at my home. Most of the time it's not a problem.

 

[dannyyankou]

I wish I had 100mbps. For some reason, 75 is the fastest my street goes because there’s some box outside that hasn’t been upgraded in years. And I can’t just call Verizon to get them to replace it, I just have to deal with it.

 

[hallux]

I'm provisioned for 100 but speed tests show 10-100. It's typically 20-30 during the work day. I could upgrade speed but I suspect that there are bottlenecks in my neighborhood that would result in the same speeds most of the time, even with a better provision. I have considered getting a second service. The second service available to me is 10 mbps DSL - but it's dedicated.

And yet I live in a 952-unit apartment complex (buildings of 4 units each spread out over a large area) and reliably get the 100 Mbps advertised, usually getting 110 Mbps when I do speed tests.