What is symmetrical internet?

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Key takeaways

• Symmetrical internet speeds are the same for download and upload
• Fiber is the only reliable source of true symmetrical internet
• Symmetrical internet is best for uber-connected households and businesses

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Why should you care if your internet’s download speed matches your upload speed? Well, unless you game online, consistently transfer or upload files or run a business from your internet connection, you most likely don’t need to worry too much about having matching speeds. However, if you join group missions on Call of Duty, upload influencer videos or send clients files frequently, you might want to consider a symmetrical fiber internet plan.

What does symmetrical internet mean?

Symmetrical internet refers to matching download and upload speeds. Download speed is how fast information is transferred over the internet to your device. Upload speed is how fast information is transferred from your device over the internet. A symmetrical connection is known to be more reliable than an asymmetrical connection.

Asymmetrical internet provides download and upload speeds operating at different rates. The only reliable form of internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds is a fiber connection. Cable internet can provide higher upload speeds than other broadband forms like satellite or 5G home internet. Some cable companies have upgraded their infrastructure to support a cable-fiber hybrid system that can get close to matching speeds, but not quite.

What do symmetrical and asymmetrical mean for connectivity?

Deciding on symmetrical versus asymmetrical internet should be based on your internet use. Symmetrical internet is great for a multi-device and multi-user household or business. Symmetrical speeds mean you can upload videos or transfer large files as fast as your connection allows.

For example, an average cable plan has a download speed of 300 Mbps and an upload speed of 20 Mbps. So, while your streaming or surfing experience is great when you try to upload a video to a social media platform, you’ll see a slow progress bar loading your video — it won’t be an automatic or fast data transfer.

Fiber, with 1,000 Mbps up and down, will ensure quick file transfers and no glitches while gaming online.

Where can I get symmetrical internet?

A fiber internet provider like Google Fiber, Cox, AT&T or Verizon can provide fast symmetrical speeds. The issue is availability since fiber is an expensive investment for broadband companies, so fiber networks aren’t available for every U.S. address.

Unsure what speed you are getting now? Check your internet speed before you consider upgrading.
If you decide you want matching internet speeds, you’ll need to check your address to ensure you are in a fiber provider’s service area.

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What’s best for my business? 

Symmetrical speeds can benefit businesses of all sizes. Most providers offer a business internet division with different speed plans for businesses than those offered for residential connections. These plans often include extra security and tech support. In some cases, they may also have higher speeds than what is advertised to residential customers.

According to AT&T, “If you’re in the cloud, have a lot of VPN users, or demand consistent reliability, a symmetrical connection may be a better option.”

Check with Allconnect to find the right internet connection for your needs.