“I feel the need, the need for speed.” The demand for faster internet is greater than ever before. As an internet service provider (ISP), we are here to provide you with the best services possible, which is why we offer multi-gig fiber internet plans to our customers*. In order to take advantage of multi-gig internet (5 Gig and 8 Gig), you will need to have compatible hardware to take advantage of the speeds. Here is a list of things to consider:
Ethernet Cables: Not all ethernet cables are equal. You'll need Cat 6a or Cat 7 Ethernet cables to ensure the signal integrity and speed over the wired connections. These cables are designed to handle Gigabit speeds and beyond. Don’t know what type of cable you have? Most cables will have their category written on the side.
Computer Hardware: When hardwired into All West fiber internet, devices will need the following:
- Device needs to be 10 gig capable
- A 10 gig port in the motherboard
You can find out if your device is 10 gig capable by checking the manufacture specifications.
Router: The router is the equipment that takes the signal from your modem and distributes it to both wired devices and wireless (Wi-Fi) devices. A high-performance router** is crucial to manage and distribute the high-speed internet connection to various devices in your home, so you’ll want one that supports Gigabit Ethernet ports and has the processing power to handle multi-gig speeds.
Switches: If you plan to connect multiple devices through Ethernet, a Gigabit Ethernet switch will allow you to do so efficiently. A switch is a piece of hardware that connects multiple devices on a single network. Devices connect to the switch, which connects to the router so they can communicate with each other. This is particularly useful for devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, and desktop computers.
Wi-Fi Access Points: To accommodate for wireless devices, you'll need Wi-Fi access points that support high-speed 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standards. These will help ensure that your wireless devices can also take advantage of the high-speed internet.
Network Interface Cards for Wireless Devices: Devices that connect wirelessly also need to have Wi-Fi adapters that can support the high-speed connection. Make sure your laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other wireless devices are equipped with modern Wi-Fi technology. Devices that support Wi-Fi 6 will let you use your multi-gig connection to the fullest potential.
Your family can enjoy streaming, gaming, working from home and more with no interruptions with a multi-gig plan. By making sure your hardware is compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and speeds up to 8 Gig, you can get the most out of your internet.
*Service availability and internet speed will depend on location. Multi-gig internet plans are not available in all areas.
** At the time, Plume routers do not support 5 Gig or 8 Gig speeds. Compatibility is in the works and set to release in 2024.
