Understanding Your Internet Speed: What Matters and Why

When people talk about internet performance, the first thing that comes to mind is usually speed. But true internet quality is a combination of multiple factors — and understanding them can help you choose the right plan and provider for your needs.

1. Speed vs. Bandwidth — What’s the Difference?

Speed, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps), refers to how fast data can move between your device and the internet. But that number alone doesn't tell the full story.

Bandwidth is the total amount of data your connection can handle at once. Think of bandwidth like a highway — more lanes mean more cars can travel at the same time. If multiple people in your household are streaming, gaming, or video conferencing simultaneously, higher bandwidth ensures everything flows smoothly.

2. Latency — The Silent Killer of Real-Time Apps

Latency measures the time it takes for data to travel from your device to its destination and back, often called "ping" in online gaming. It's measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower latency means a snappier, more responsive experience.

• Under 50ms: Excellent for gaming, video calls, and real-time apps
• 50–100ms: Acceptable for most online activities
• Over 100ms: Can start to feel sluggish, especially for interactive use

Whether you're joining a Zoom call or playing a competitive online game, low latency is critical — and Zeta Broadband's network is optimized to minimize delays.

3. Jitter — The Stability Factor

Jitter is the variation in latency over time. Even if your average latency is low, large fluctuations can disrupt your experience. For example, jitter causes choppy audio in calls or buffering in video streams.

Zeta actively monitors and mitigates jitter across its core and access networks, delivering a consistent experience for real-time applications like VoIP, streaming, and cloud gaming.

4. What Do You Really Need?

The ideal internet connection depends on your household’s usage:

5. How Zeta Broadband Delivers

At Zeta Broadband, we design our network to deliver more than just fast speeds. Our hybrid infrastructure — combining fiber, fixed wireless, and advanced routing — is engineered to provide:

• High bandwidth for homes and businesses of all sizes
• Low latency paths using optimized peering and local interconnects
• Minimal jitter via redundant routing and congestion management

Whether you're streaming, gaming, working remotely, or all of the above — we’ve got a plan that keeps up. Check your coverage to see what's available at your address, or contact our team for a tailored recommendation.

With Zeta, your internet isn't just fast — it's built for what you do.