This article describes how to choose the right Cox Internet plan based on speed requirements. It describes some of the more common uses for the Internet and the speeds you need to support them. Instructions are given for determining the speed you need based on probable Internet usage. A short guide to selecting a specific Cox Internet plan based on likely usage is provided as well.
If you are finding it hard to choose one of Cox's Internet plans, keep reading. Below you will find information on how to figure out what your Internet speed needs are, so you can pick the best Cox Internet plan for you.
Terminology
When speaking of the speed of an Internet connection, it is the download speed that is usually meant. Upload speed is usually about 1/10th the download speed. Internet speed is usually measured in Mbps, or Megabits per second. A speed of 1 Mbps means that the connection can download 1 million "bits" of information each second.
Calculating the Internet Speed You Need
The most common Internet uses are: browsing, watching video media such as movies or shows, playing online games, and downloading large files. Internet browsing typically takes a speed of about 5 Mbps to load pages quickly. Video media viewed in standard definition require a speed of 3 Mbps or so. High definition viewing requires about 5 Mbps. Ultra high definition viewing on YouTube requires 35 Mbps. It requires 25 Mbps on Netflix and 15 Mbps for Amazon. Hulu does not have an ultra high definition option. If you play solitary games on a console, you probably don't need more than 1.5 Mbps. If you play competitive multiplayer games you could need up to 100 Mbps. Downloading large files could require 200 Mbps.
To determine the maximum speed you need, just multiply the number of people living using the Internet with you by the highest speed usage. As an example, if you have a total of 4 people on your plan who all play multiplayer online games, you would need a plan with at least 4 times 100 Mbps = 400 Mbps.
Cox's Internet Plans
Cox has five Internet plans. The Starter plan has a speed of 10 Mbps. The Essential plan has a speed of 30 Mbps. The Preferred plan has a speed of 150 Mbps. The Ultimate plan has a speed of 300 Mbps. Finally, the Gigablast plan has a speed of 940 Mbps. Remember, though, that if you have a wifi connection instead of a hardwired connection, the speed you get will only be half, or even a third, of the speeds described, depending on your wifi connection.
If you and at most 1 other person are the only ones using the Internet, and if you both are moderate users who mostly just browse the Internet and watch movies online, the Starter plan will be enough for you. If there are 3 or 4 moderate users in your household, you should get the Essential plan. Households of several moderate users can probably use the Preferred plan. If there are a few users who play competitive online games then you should get the Ultimate plan. Large households with several heavy users who play multiplayer games online, download very large files, and live in a place with smart home technology will need the Gigablast plan.
If you have questions about which of Cox's plans is the right one for you, contact its customer support. It has phone, chat, help desk, and email support options.
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