How do I get Internet speeds over 1 Gbps?

Answer: If you have "Gigabit Internet" service, you should be able to download data at over 1 Gbps (one gigabit per second). However, several bottlenecks may prevent you from reaching gigabit+ download speeds.

First, you need to connect to a server that supports data transmissions over 1 Gbps. If you are downloading a file from a server that only supports 250 Mbps per client, it will throttle your download speed at 250 megabits per second. When testing your Internet speed, it's best to use a speed test site like speedtest.net or speedtest.xfinity.com.

To achieve download speeds over 1 Gbps, you need three things:

1. Gigabit Internet service
2. A modem/router that supports Gigabit Internet
3. A computer or device that supports Gigabit Internet

Assuming you have Gigabit Internet service, the next thing to check is your modem. If your modem and router are combined into one unit (which is now common with modems supplied by ISPs), you only need to check a single device. The modem must be DOCSIS 3.1 or later to support speeds over 1 Gbps. A DOCSIS 3.0 modem has a top data transfer rate or 1,000 Mbps, which means the max speed will likely be around 930 Mbps.

The router must also support speeds over 1 Gbps. For wireless connections, you'll need a Wi-Fi standard that supports 1 Gbps+ data transfers, such as 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6. For wired connections, you'll need a high-speed Ethernet port that supports 2.5, 5.0, or 10 Gbps connections.

Comcast XB7 Modem/Router

Important: If you are using a Comcast XB7 router with a wired device, you will need to connect the Ethernet cable to port 4 (see below). Port 4 supports 2.5 Gbps Ethernet connections, while ports 1-3 only support 1 Gbps.

Finally, your computer or mobile device needs to support network speeds over 1 Gbps. Modern smartphones with Wi-Fi 6 may achieve 1 Gbps+ speeds, but only with a strong wireless signal. Computers with a wired connection must have a NIC that supports Ethernet speeds faster than 1 Gbps, such as a 2.5, 5.0, or 10 Gbps Ethernet adapter. If you have a Gigabit Ethernet card, your max speed will be less than 1 Gbps.

Remember — your Internet connection is only as fast as the slowest link. If you can eliminate all the bottlenecks, you'll make the most of your Gigabit Internet service with download speeds over one gigabit per second.

Published: June 26, 2021 — by Per Christensson