Symmetrical vs. asymmetrical internet: What’s right for you?

Choosing the right speed for your home can be confusing. Moreover, determining whether you require symmetric internet access can be even more complex.

The main difference between symmetric and asymmetric internet is that symmetric internet has equal download and upload speeds while asymmetric internet typically has greater download speeds than upload speeds. At Astound, we use these terms to help explain how different types of internet access affect everyday use.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between symmetrical and asymmetrical internet speeds and if symmetric or asymmetric internet access is right for you. Before diving into symmetric speed versus asymmetric speed, however, let’s define the differences between upload and download speeds.

Upload speed plays a critical role in everyday internet access. It affects file sharing, video conferencing, VoIP calling and online gaming. When your upload speed is too low, you experience a frozen screen, broken audio or run into latency issues during video calls. The impact is especially clear when working with large data transfers.

For example, uploading a 1 GB video file depends on both bandwidth and network performance. On a 40 Mbps connection, the upload takes about 3 minutes and 45 seconds, while on a 1000 Mbps fiber internet connection, it can finish in just 1–2 seconds. These differences in symmetrical speeds versus asymmetrical speeds are a major consideration when comparing internet providers and choosing plans for home, businesses or wireless networks.

The capacity you need depends on how your household uses the network, how many devices are connected and how many users are active at the same time. Evaluating your requirements comes down to matching data transfer demands with your available bandwidth.

• Live streaming – The bandwidth required varies by platform and video file size. In general, 3 Mbps is recommended for 480p, 6 Mbps for 720p and 13 Mbps for 1080p.
• Video uploads – For posting videos, a minimum of 2 Mbps is necessary, but unless your clips are just a few seconds long, that’s probably too slow. Around 20 Mbps provides a much smoother experience.
• Video calls – For group calls, 1.5 Mbps is typically sufficient for clear sound and stable video.

Not sure if you’re getting the speeds you need? Test your internet connection.

A symmetrical internet connection provides users with symmetrical speeds, defined as upload and download speeds that are equal. For example, with Astound’s symmetrical Gig Internet, your download speed is 1000 Mbps and your upload speed will also be 1000 Mbps.

Why are symmetric internet speeds important? Many internet connections these days are asymmetric, meaning you typically receive 40-50 Mbps upload speed. At one point, this was sufficient for most online activities such as streaming TV shows, browsing the internet or connecting a few smart home devices. However, as the uses of the internet have evolved, including the 18% increase of IoT devices in the home, so have the needs for upload speeds.

A symmetric internet connection might be right if you:

• Own a business: A fast upload speed is important for businesses to ensure employees do everything that their daily routine requires with no slowdowns. Astound Business Solutions offers Business Class Internet featuring a symmetric fiber internet connection to keep you and your company connected.
• Work remotely: When you work from home, the internet is what connects you to coworkers, clients and more. Symmetrical upload speeds improve file upload times, as well as make video calls run smoothly.
• Create content: When your livelihood is dependent on getting content to viewers, symmetrical upload speeds are a must to make sure images, videos and livestreams are delivered to your audience.
• Livestream: You need symmetrical upload speeds to power a high-quality livestream that keeps viewers tuned in and ensures smooth, dependable gameplay.
• Study: Even if you aren’t learning remotely, accelerated upload speeds mean you can send that massive project to your professor quickly and confidently.

An asymmetric internet connection means that speeds while downloading and uploading aren’t equal. Usually downloads are faster. For example, with a download speed of 100 Mbps, your upload speed will only be 5 Mbps.

What types of internet use work well with asymmetric plans? Asymmetric internet is best suited for activities where bandwidth demand is mostly on the download side. In these cases, higher upload capacity isn’t as critical, and an asymmetric plan can still provide reliable ethernet or WiFi access without added cost.

An asymmetric internet connection might be right if you:

• Look for deals and savings: Asymmetric internet connections are often less expensive than symmetric internet plans.
• Need fast downloads only: Even though uploading will take longer, you’ll still get fast download speeds with an asymmetrical connection. If uploading files to the internet isn’t a high priority for you, you’ll likely be happy with an asymmetrical connection.
• Use the internet mainly for browsing: If your internet access is limited to surfing the web or light social media use, asymmetry is usually enough.
• Have one user on your network: Living alone or having just one person online at a time makes symmetric internet speeds less necessary.
• Own an older modem: Equipment below DOCSIS 3.1 isn’t compatible with newer symmetric internet options.

Astound provides both symmetric and asymmetric internet access.

Like many things, choosing between a symmetric and asymmetric internet connection depends on how you use your network.

If saving money is the priority, and your activity is mostly web browsing or light data use without frequent video or media uploads, then an asymmetric connection may be the right fit.

For businesses, content creators, remote work or livestreaming, a symmetric internet speed offers the performance needed.

Ready to get started? Get connected today with Astound symmetric internet plans.