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WiFi and internet for students

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The life of a college student requires constant internet connection. Whether you’re doing research, creating a standout presentation, videoconferencing with peers and professors, or learning remotely from home, you need reliable internet for students.

But college life isn’t just about learning. After a long day of brainpowered work, you need some downtime. That may include streaming your favorite music and movies, FaceTiming with friends and family, or jumping into a friendly battle royale game. Whether you’re living in a dorm or an off-campus apartment, CenturyLink offers the internet speeds you need to stay on top of your assignments, coursework, and social life.

Students on campus using smart gadgets

How to choose the best internet for students

For students, staying connected to teachers and classmates is crucial. That’s why having a strong internet connection is essential. Before choosing a service plan, think about how you use the internet and how many others in your household will by vying for bandwidth. Also ask yourself how fast is fast enough. To give you some perspective, consider the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) official speed recommendations for download speeds for various online activities.

Online activity Bandwidth needed
Streaming music 0.5 Mbps
General web browsing, email, social media 1 Mbps
HD personal video chat (Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc.) 1.5 Mbps
Game console connected to the internet 3 Mbps
Online multiplayer gaming  4 Mbps
Streaming HD (High Definition) video 5-8 Mbps
Downloading large files 10 Mbps
Streaming ultra HD 4K video 25 Mbps
Remote work/learning up to 25 Mbps

What does Mbps mean?

Mbps (Megabits per second) is the standard measure of internet speed and refers to how much information can be downloaded or uploaded in one second.
If you live alone, a 10 Mbps internet connection may be sufficient. That will give you essential functions like general web browsing, emailing, video calling, internet gaming, and streaming music. But if you’re sharing precious web space with roommates, you’ll probably want to boost your connection to at least 25 Mbps to avoid lag or lost connections. That allows you and your housemates to stream media, surf the net, and video chat simultaneously.

 If you’re sharing your service with multiple users on multiple devices, you might want to consider CenturyLink’s Fiber Internet. With lightning-fast speeds up to 940 Mbps, you won’t have to worry about sluggish performance or drops in coverage. Fiber internet gives you the ultimate in speed, bandwidth, reliability, and security so everyone can stream, game, video chat, upload, and download virtually lag-free.

WiFi for students: knowledge is power

There are plenty of deals for students, but do your homework to ensure the service you choose gives you what you need. You want internet that’s fast, reliable, and secure.

What factors determine the best WiFi for students?

The best WiFi is robust, reliable, and stable. If more than one user shares your internet, you need a solid bandwidth. Your WiFi lets you wirelessly connect multiple devicesto the network from anywhere in your house or apartment. CenturyLink modem and routers have WiFi built right in, so all you have to do is connect to the network. Many routers also have dual-band wireless, meaning you can connect your devices to whichever frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) gives you the strongest signal.

How can students increase WiFi coverage?

If you live in a large apartment or a house, you may experience spotty WiFi coverage. One way to increase your range is with a WiFi extender. An extender boosts the strengthand quality of your signal throughout your home. To strengthen your signal, place the first extender unit near your modem, then place one or more additional units throughout your home. This will extend WiFi access to the dead spots where you struggle to get a strong signal. Explore common signs that you could benefit from a WiFi extender.

How can students keep their WiFi network secure?

With online threats from hackers more invasive than ever, you need a safe and secure WiFi network. Want to make sure all your devices are protected? You can rely on CenturyLink’s Seacure WiFi, which is built right into select modems offered as part of new internet plans. Our decure WiFi service delivers integrated cybersecurity for your connected devices and features easy-to-use home network management tools.

You’ve learned more about the best internet for students. Now discover how to improve your WiFi signal and troubleshoot issues.

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