[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-bandwidth#maincontent) [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) 1. [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) 2. Category:[Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) [Internet DevicesCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) # What is Bandwidth? Published: September 21, 2023 |6 min read We've all heard the term *bandwidth*. Aunque es un término técnico, forma parte de nuestro vocabulario cotidiano. You've probably heard people at work say things like, "Sorry, I don't have the bandwidth to take that on right now," or maybe, "What's your bandwidth this week?"  #### Jump to a Section 1. [Bandwidth defined](https://www.t-mobile.com#1) 2. [How does bandwidth work?](https://www.t-mobile.com#2) 3. [Bandwidth vs. speed: What's the difference?](https://www.t-mobile.com#3) 4. [How does bandwidth affect latency?](https://www.t-mobile.com#4) 5. [Bandwidth by device: Here's how much you really need](https://www.t-mobile.com#5) 6. [Tips for increasing bandwidth](https://www.t-mobile.com#6) - Share "What is Bandwidth? " on X - Share "What is Bandwidth? " on Facebook - Share "What is Bandwidth? " on LinkedIn In everyday life it simply means the capacity to get things done. And while the term was certainly inspired by the technical definition of bandwidth, it's a little more in-depth than that when it comes to [home internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/internet-basics). Here, we'll take a look at the definition of bandwidth, how it differs from some other seemingly similar terms, and what it means when it comes to keeping you connected. ## __Bandwidth defined__ In computer networking, bandwidth refers to the amount of data a network can transmit over a connection in a given amount of time. Así que, del mismo modo que un compañero de trabajo puede tener rendimiento solo para cierta cantidad de proyectos, una red solo tiene ancho de banda para una cierta cantidad de datos. Every device you use, from your phone to your computer to your connected TV, requires data to function, and too many devices splitting available bandwidth can cause noticeably slower speeds across devices. ## __How does bandwidth work?__ It can be useful to imagine bandwidth as a two-lane highway where all the cars are traveling at the same speed. Si no hay mucho tráfico, todo debería moverse sin problemas. Pero, cuando muchos autos intentan utilizar la misma carretera al mismo tiempo, los embotellamientos son inevitables. Para determinar cuánto ancho de banda tiene tu red, debes saber cuántos datos pueden pasar por la carretera al mismo tiempo. El ancho de banda se mide por lo general en bits por segundo (bps). Megabits per second (Mbps) and gigabits per second (Gbps) are the most common measurements you'll see associated with bandwidth. ## __Bandwidth vs. speed: What's the difference?__ It can be easy to confuse bandwidth and [internet speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/got-need-for-faster-internet-speed), since the terms are related, and bandwidth can affect speed. Para aumentar la confusión, ambos se miden en bits por segundo. Pero, si imaginas tu red como una carretera, como en el ejemplo anterior, el ancho de banda se refiere a qué tan ancha es la carretera (por ejemplo, una carretera de seis carriles tiene mucho más ancho de banda que una de dos), mientras que la velocidad se refiere a qué tan rápido se están moviendo los autos en esa carretera. While your six-lane highway may have room to hold a lot of cars, things like heavy event traffic or a single broken-down vehicle can still cause travel to slow. ## __How does bandwidth affect latency?__ When we use the term [latency](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/what-is-latency-in-gaming), we're referring to the amount of time in milliseconds (ms) it takes for information to make the round trip from device to server and back again. Mayor ancho de banda permite la transmisión de mayores cantidades de datos y eso puede reducir el tiempo que demora trasmitir cierta cantidad de datos. Entonces, la descarga de un archivo grande usando una conexión de mayor ancho de banda puede demorar menos tiempo que la descarga del mismo archivo a través de una conexión con menor ancho de banda. However, bandwidth isn't the only thing that affects latency, which can be impacted by many different factors including the quality of the connection, the quality of the devices using to transmit data, and the distance between the device and the internet connection. ## __Bandwidth and Wi-Fi__ [Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-wifi) allows all the devices on a given network to connect to one another, and, if connected to a [modem](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/inside-a-modem-what-does-it-do), to connect to the internet. El wifi transmite datos usando ondas de radio. Las redes wifi pueden variar en cuanto al ancho de banda que ofrecen, según el estándar wifi que usen. Wifi 6, la última generación de tecnología wifi, admite un ancho de banda mucho mayor que wifi 5. If you have [T-Mobile Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet), for example, then you already have a wireless internet connection and advanced [5G Gateway](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/gateway) that works in tandem with Wi-Fi 6 and is compatible with T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network. ## __Bandwidth by device: Here's how much you really need__ When it comes to getting the right amount of bandwidth for your household, the numbers can be a bit confusing. Luckily, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) offers a handy chart1 to help determine your needs depending on internet use. - One user with light use (email, browsing, basic video, VoIP, Internet radio) = 3 to 8 Mbps - Three users with moderate use (light use + 1 high-demand application like streaming HD video, video conferencing, gaming, telecommuting) = 12 to 25 Mbps - Four or more users with high use (light use + more than one high-demand application running at the same time) = 25 Mbps+ ## __Tips for increasing bandwidth__ Your bandwidth is determined by many factors including your device, router, internet service provider, and the bandwidth promised in your plan. Pero, incluso si compraste un plan con 25 Mbps, eso no implica necesariamente que obtengas el máximo ancho de banda todo el tiempo. If you're noticing some issues, here are a few ways you can boost your bandwidth. - __Run a speed test:__ There are plenty of free websites that can check your internet speeds. If you're not downloading any huge files or using a lot of different devices at once, the test should reflect something close to the number promised by your provider. - __Reduce the number of devices:__ If you are regularly, gaming, streaming, making video calls, and otherwise using a lot of high-demand applications at once, cutting back on the number of devices claiming bandwidth at once can help. - __Check your data cap:__ Some internet service providers will reduce your internet speeds if you exceed your data cap. If you notice an ongoing problem, check your data usage against what's allowed in your plan. - __Upgrade your plan:__ If you've got multiple people in a household attempting to run high-demand applications, it could be time to consider a plan with more bandwidth. There are a lot of factors that could be affecting your [home internet speeds](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/why-your-wi-fi-is-slow-and-how-to-fix-it). Sin embargo, entender lo que es el ancho de banda es un buen punto de partida. Asegúrate de que tu hogar tenga el ancho de banda que necesitas para disfrutar de streaming, juegos, llamadas y navegación sin interrupciones. T-Mobile, America's fastest growing home internet provider, is offering wireless [5G Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) with no annual contracts and one low monthly cost. Check here to learn more and see if [T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available at your address](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility). If not, you can sign up for our waitlist and we will email you once it's available! 1. [https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/household-broadband-guide](https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/household-broadband-guide) Tags - [Latency](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/latency) ## Related Articles NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/5g-home-internet-vs-mobile-hotspot-moving) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/5g-home-internet-vs-mobile-hotspot-moving) [Internet Connection](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-connection) ## [5G Home Internet vs. Hotspot: What's Best for Home Internet When You Move?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/5g-home-internet-vs-mobile-hotspot-moving) May 6, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/the-internet-speed-you-need-for-gaming) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/the-internet-speed-you-need-for-gaming) [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) ## [Best Internet Speed for Gaming](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/the-internet-speed-you-need-for-gaming) January 7, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/home-internet-the-signal-internet-help-wifi-5-vs-wifi-6) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/home-internet-the-signal-internet-help-wifi-5-vs-wifi-6) [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) ## [Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6: What's the Difference and What Should You Choose?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/home-internet-the-signal-internet-help-wifi-5-vs-wifi-6) March 10, 2026 ### Find out if your home address is eligible for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. [Check availability](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) Top