What internet speed do you need for your apartment? That'll depend on a few factors, such as how many people live in the apartment, how many connected devices you have and what you use the internet for.
If living solo in a single-bedroom apartment, 100Mbps will probably suffice for streaming, online gaming and working remotely. Netflix, for example, recommends speeds of 25Mbps for streaming in 4K, and the FCC suggests speeds of only 4Mbps for online multiplayer games.
Why would I recommend 100Mbps if you can stream in 4K with 25Mbps and game online with a mere 4Mbps? Using Wi-Fi slows your speeds, as does having multiple devices connected at once, like your phone, computer, smart TV and gaming console.
Network congestion during peak usage times can also slow speeds, especially on a cable internet connection, which is a real possibility in an apartment when you have potentially hundreds of people living around you using the same internet service provider. Although your plan comes with maximum advertised speeds of 100Mbps, what you're actually getting to a particular device may be significantly lower.
For larger apartments with families or sharing your internet connection with roommates, you may want to consider bumping up to a faster speed in the 200-500Mbps range. There may be faster speeds available -- most cable and fiber ISPs offer a gigabit speed tier -- but that's likely going to be overkill and overpriced, for your needs in an apartment.
The average single-bedroom apartment is less than 800 square feet, according to Statista. There are only so many users and devices you can have in such a space, and speeds of 100 to 500Mbps will almost assuredly support them all. If you want an uncompromising connection for serious streaming, gaming or remote work and you don't mind paying a little more, a gigabit connection will ensure you've got plenty of speed for all your needs.
When placed strategically, an average Wi-Fi router will cover a roughly 1,200-square-foot space, or about the size of a large three-bedroom apartment. For the best signal quality and speed reliability, place your router in a central location in your apartment, ideally elevated and free from obstructions like a TV or wall. Additionally, try to place your router away from the microwave, cordless phones or other devices that emit radio signals that could interfere with the router's signal.
If you need a little more coverage or notice speeds are spotty in certain parts of your apartment, you may want to add a Wi-Fi extender to your network or upgrade your Wi-Fi router altogether. ISPs will often allow you to use your own Wi-Fi router and potentially save on monthly equipment costs.
Others, including AT&T, Frontier and Spectrum, include some or all of the Wi-Fi equipment for your apartment at no extra cost (Spectrum includes a free modem, though router rental is an extra $7), so there's no need to invest in a Wi-Fi router if the one from your provider suits your needs.
Living in an apartment typically means sharing walls with neighbors immediately above, below, to the left and to the right of you. A good Wi-Fi signal will permeate those walls, potentially sending your internet service into someone else's space, so you want to make sure your connection is password-protected.
You'll also want to keep occasional tabs on the devices that are connected to your network. Most ISPs and Wi-Fi routers have an app that allows you to easily access your equipment settings and view all connected devices. Some of those apps might also offer notifications whenever a new device joins your network.
If anything ever looks suspicious, change your password and reset the router. You'll have to log in from all of your devices again with the new password, but it'll kick devices off your network that may have been intentionally or unintentionally leeching off your internet connection.
Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network is also a good way to keep your network secure while still being able to offer a Wi-Fi connection for visiting friends and family to use. Again, your ISP or router will likely have an app that you can use to create a guest Wi-Fi network. Be sure to give your guest network a separate name and password from your main home network.
Many apartments are internet "ready," which means they're prewired for a particular connection type. Cable internet is the most common internet type for apartments, but your building may be wired for fiber service or possibly fixed wireless. Ask the owner or leasing office about what internet services are available at your apartment, then shop your options and sign up for the best ISP and plan for your needs.
Your new ISP may need to run new lines to your apartment be sure to check with the property owner or management ahead of time before any drilling or exterior mounting of new equipment takes place.
Once you have an internet connection, getting Wi-Fi for your apartment is just a matter of connecting a router and setting up your network.
Fiber internet is arguably the best connection type for apartments or any home. Considering the fast speeds and comparatively low pricing, fiber internet from providers like AT&T, Frontier, Google Fiber, Quantum Fiber and Verizon Fios will nearly always deliver the best bang for your buck. The one downside is availability as fiber is currently only offered to about 50% of urban areas.
That's where cable internet comes in. Providers such as Cox, Mediacom, Optimum, Spectrum and Xfinity, cover more than 90% of urban areas, so there's a good chance cable internet is available at your new apartment. While cable internet doesn't have the same speed potential as fiber, it's still capable of delivering all the speed you could reasonably need for an apartment, and many cable internet plans are competitively priced with a cost per Mbps similar to fiber service.
As for speeds, again I'd recommend something in the 100 to 500Mbps range. Anything less may let you down when streaming or working remotely, and anything higher is going to be faster than the limited number of users and devices in an apartment will need.
Many providers -- AT&T, Frontier Fiber, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, to name a few -- do not require a contractwhen signing up for service. Others, including Cox and Xfinity, may require a one or two-year contract to qualify for a special rate or offer. Before signing up for internet service at your apartment, be sure to ask the ISP about any contract requirements. You wouldn't want an internet contract to extend beyond the length of your apartment lease as canceling service before your contract is up could result in early termination fees.
Source: cnet.com