the ultimate video streaming bandwidth guide

What speed do you need to stream?

• Full HD (1080p) streams typically require 6Mbps per stream.
• 4K streams typically require 25Mbps per stream.
• This means a 50Mbps internet connnection can support 8 Full HD streams and 2 4K streams. A 10Mbps internet connection can support 1 Full HD stream and no 4K streams.
• Streams can adjust quality to suit low bandwidth, but disruptions will be more likely when not streaming at full quality.

Slowdown causes (and fixes)

• If you don’t have the minimum recommended bandwidth for the number of streams you desire, upgrading your speed can be a straightforward fix.
• Even fast connections can get bogged down when a device is updating, synchronizing pictures/videos from the cloud, or downloading large files, like a game.
• The fix to a bogged down connection that should be fast enough is QoS. QoS (quality of service) is a feature on many more advanced routers that effectively lets you reserve bandwidth to prevent one device from bogging down your whole network.
• Poor wireless reception, or radio frequency interference (RFI) can also cause major streaming difficulties. 
• There are a few options to fix a weak signal or RFI issue. Using a range extender or mesh wifi system is usually enough. If RFI is the main culprit (usually causes be masonry, metallic construction or heavy duty appliances) then a hard-wired solution is often the simplest solution.

how fiber can help

• Dedicated bandwidth allows you to know exactly how much speed you need. No neighbor slowdowns!
• Fiber is the last line you’ll ever need for internet. After 4K will be 8K, and future proof fiber ensures you’re ready for tomorrow!
• High speeds, further out. Due to its minimal signal loss, fiber allows us to provide much faster speeds, much farther from our central offices. More bandwidth for more people!

• The “LTC Family of Companies” is a family owned Maine business.
• We own and maintain thousands of miles of phone and fiber optic broadband lines in Maine. Our 50 employees are headquartered in Nobleboro, Maine where we provide: Secure Servers; Digital Switching Hubs; VOIP Soft-switch systems & hosted PBX; Engineering & System Design Department; Network Monitoring Services; a Technical Support Division; and a Customer Service Center
• LCI Fiber Optic Network is the largest provider of “fiber to the premises” service (FTTP) in all of Coastal Maine