Understanding internet speed & your home wi-fi

Ever wondered how fast your home Wi-Fi really is, or if you’re getting the speeds you pay for? You’re not alone! Many factors influence Wi-Fi performance, and we’re here to help you understand them. Understanding Bandwidth: Home Network Speeds vs. Wireless SpeedsIt’s important to know that your internet speed over Wi-Fi won’t be exactly the same as the speed you subscribe to. The speed you subscribe to (e.g., 1 Gig) represents your home network’s maximum capability. Due to the nature of Wi-Fi technology, wireless speeds will rarely match this top subscribed speed. To truly check if you’re receiving your subscribed internet speed, you need to perform a speed test while your device is directly connected to your router with an Ethernet cable. When you test your Wi-Fi speeds, you’re primarily measuring the maximum speed that specific wireless device can achieve, not the overall maximum speed of your Empire Access fiber connection coming into your home. Understanding Wi-Fi Usage on a Wireless DeviceThe internet speed a single device connected to your Wi-Fi achieves is limited by that device’s own capabilities. It’s not a reflection of your entire home network’s speed. For instance, even with our 500 Mbps or 1 Gig service, a single smartphone or older laptop might only use a fraction of that speed because of its internal hardware limitations. And that’s perfectly okay! The real power of high internet speed isn’t about what one device can do on its own. It’s about the capacity your internet has to drive optimal performance for multiple devices connected simultaneously across your home network. What is the advantage of getting speeds like 500 Mbps or 1 Gig?Think of your internet service like a powerful generator for your home. If you have our 1 Gig internet service, that’s your robust “generator.” Every device and user connected to your home network takes a “piece” of that generator’s power, or bandwidth. The more devices you have, the more users there are, and the more bandwidth-intensive activities they’re doing (like 4K streaming, online gaming, video calls, or large file uploads), the more power from that “generator” is needed. While a single device might not use the entire 1 Gig, the entirety of your home network can utilize that immense capacity. Similar to how a small generator might only power a refrigerator, while a large one can power your entire home—including the AC, lighting, and all appliances—the higher your home network speed, the more optimally all your connected devices will be supported, providing a seamless experience for everyone.

Can I use wi-fi with Empire Access fiber internet?

Yes, absolutely! All of our Fiber Internet plans include a wireless router, so you can easily keep all your devices connected throughout your entire home.

Why would I need a gigabit of speed?

In today’s connected world, a fast and reliable internet connection is essential for just about everything we do online. Whether you’re streaming 4K TV, working from home, video calling with family, or competitive online gaming, these activities demand significant bandwidth for both uploads and downloads. The more devices you have connected to your internet simultaneously—laptops, smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more—the more bandwidth is required to keep everything running smoothly. A strong Wi-Fi signal throughout your entire home also ensures you’re not limited to just one spot for a consistent, fast connection, no matter if you’re connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. That’s why high-speed plans, like Empire Access’s 1 Gig service (or even higher gigabit plans), are so beneficial. They ensure that multiple users and devices can stay connected and perform at their best simultaneously, without frustrating slowdowns or buffering. It’s about having the capacity to power your entire digital life without compromise. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Learn more about internet speeds and what might work best for your home with our blog, “Understanding Internet Speed: 500 Mbps vs. 1 Gig vs. 2 Gig.”

What is a Gigabit (Gigabit Internet)?

Learn more about internet speeds and what a Gigabit internet service plan can do for you, your family, and your business.

What is a modem?

Learn more about your internet equipment: the modem. We help you to understand how it provides your internet connections.

What is a router?

Learn more about your internet equipment, the router. We help you to understand how it provides your internet connections.

Can I use my own router?

While we provide a high-quality router optimized for our network, in most cases, you can use your own compatible router. However, for optimal performance and troubleshooting, we recommend using the equipment provided by Empire Access. We provide all the equipment needed, for free, when we complete your installation.

What equipment do I need for Empire Access internet?

We provide all the equipment you need, free of charge, to ensure you receive our high-speed fiber internet. You will typically receive an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and a Wi-Fi router. The ONT converts the fiber optic signal for use in your home, and the router creates your Wi-Fi network.

What is the difference between download and upload speed?

Download speed refers to how quickly you can pull data from the internet [Ex:, streaming movies, loading websites, etc]. Upload speed refers to how quickly you can send data to the internet [Ex: uploading photos, video calls, online gaming]. Our symmetrical fiber ensures equally fast download and upload speeds.

I heard that Empire Access will be offering internet services in my area. How and when can I set up services?

By using our “Check Availability” tool, you will be able to see if we are currently available in your area. If we are in the construction phase in your area, you can complete an Interest Form and we will keep you updated of our progress so you can sign up as soon as it is ready.