From smartphones and tablets to gaming systems, most homes use multiple devices at one time. Accordingly, there are often concerns about how many devices can be hooked into the home internet at any given time. In most cases, there is a vast difference between the stated maximum number of devices and how many your home connection will allow, as illustrated below.

Practice vs. Theory

From a theoretical standpoint, it’s possible to have up to 250 devices on a single wireless router. While surely no family will have that many devices connected at the same time, loading up a connection with multiple devices can affect bandwidth (even if you fall short of adding 250 separate devices at once).

If more devices are connected at the same time the quality of the connection will be lower. This explains interruptions when streaming movies or TVs, which can occur when more devices are used simultaneously. Also keep in mind that different devices will have differing impacts; a gaming PC will use a lot more bandwidth than a smartphone. As a result, connections could be muddy if the devices you're using take up a lot of bandwidth.

Other Factors That Can Impact Service

Along with the number of devices connected to the internet, there are other factors at play. For instance, if you use a WiFi connection in a crowded area (such as an apartment building) there could be interference from other signals. Also, access points can become overheated, even when offline. When multiple people use the same access point at once, the connection will become slower no matter what’s happening.

So who can you boost your internet when using multiple devices? Increasing access points is one way to go, as you won’t run the risk of the connection becoming overloaded. You can also speak with your internet provider about increasing the bandwidth in your home. For a few dollars more a month, you and your family can enjoy uninterrupted connections despite how many devices are plugged in at one time.

As a trusted provider of internet services in Delhi, NY, Delhi Telephone Company can help local customers tap into the full potential of their connection. This company has established a reputation for excellence over the last 120 years, for both their technical prowess and unbeatable customer service. They are also a fiber optic network provider, which offers upload and download speeds of up to 1 Gb. Learn more by calling (607) 746-1500. You can also visit the website to see internet packages and rates for yourself.