Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical: Which Internet Connection Fits You?

Ever since the Internet became ubiquitous in our lives, the question of download and upload speeds has perplexed the everyday person. Shouldn’t there just be one speed? Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Two types of connections determine the speed and reliability of Internet service – symmetrical and asymmetrical. Each type has pros and cons, and understanding them will make it easier to decide which one to use.

What’s the Difference?

Benefits of Symmetrical Connections

The main advantage of a symmetrical connection is its consistency and the guaranteed upload and download speeds. However, symmetrical connections typically come at a higher cost. Additional benefits of symmetrical connections include:

• Faster (and larger) file uploads. Uploading files to the cloud can feel like it takes forever, especially with large video or graphic files. With symmetrical speeds, uploads are just as fast as downloads, saving time and speeding up task completion.
• Elimination of Internet roadblocks. Slow uploads and dropped video calls often happen when insufficient bandwidth causes data congestion during peak traffic periods. Symmetrical connections address these problems by providing consistent upload speeds, ensuring smoother performance, and minimizing disruptions to productivity.
• Enhanced access to cloud services. Thanks to its flexibility, secure storage, and seamless team collaboration, cloud computing has become increasingly popular among businesses and consumers. However, reliable access to cloud services depends on fast upload speeds. Symmetrical connections ensure that cloud services remain accessible and perform at their best.

Benefits of Asymmetrical Connections

The biggest advantage of asymmetrical connections is their cost-effectiveness. An asymmetrical connection can be a practical choice for budget-conscious users who are willing to compromise on performance. Key benefits of asymmetrical connections include:

• Affordability. Asymmetrical connections are usually more budget-friendly, ranging from 10% to 15% less expensive than their symmetrical counterparts.
• Fast download speeds. While uploads may take longer with asymmetrical connections, you can still enjoy high-speed downloading. If uploading is not a high priority for your business or personal use, investing in an asymmetrical connection might be a more reasonable option.
• Availability. Since asymmetrical was the first connection type supplied by early Internet service providers, it is more accessible because of its legacy.

What’s the Best Fit?

Choosing between symmetrical and asymmetrical connections depends on specific Internet usage and requirements. Both connections have their benefits, but what works best for your situation depends on the usage of the Internet in your individual case. Consider the following factors to determine which option is the best fit.

In work environments, investing in symmetrical speeds is worthwhile if:

• The work environment is distributed across a large geographic area, with multiple sites and locations, especially if a significant remote workforce is present.
• Work heavily relies on collaboration tools within the office environment.
• The migration or existing use of cloud-based applications and services such as Google Drive, Office 365, Salesforce, etc. are required.

Symmetrical speeds are especially beneficial for home use if:

• Home applications, such as environmental monitoring systems or entertainment systems requiring consistent bandwidth, necessitate unswerving download and upload speeds.
• The type of Internet connection affects speed, such as fiber connections that offer higher performance, making symmetrical speeds more appropriate.
• The number of users and types of usage in a household requires consistent and reliable speeds, especially with the performance demands required to support remote work and online gaming.

For work environments, asymmetrical connections might fulfill needs if:

• The work environment is small, with only a few employees.
• The work applications and usage patterns are not bandwidth-intensive or resource-heavy.
• There is infrequent use of large file sharing such as videos and graphics.

In terms of home usage, asymmetrical speeds might fulfill your needs if:

• The need for high Internet for devices and applications isn’t required
• The number of users is small
• Entertainment platforms don’t require a lot of bandwidth
• Availability of high-speed Internet, such as fiber to the home, is not accessible

Most cable internet connections operate with asymmetrical bandwidth, delivering data significantly faster in one direction than the other. One of the selling points for fiber Internet is higher-performing connectivity, reaching speeds of 10 Gig or more. On top of that, because it provides a symmetrical connection, no matter how fast your download speed is, the upload speed will be the same, so data-intensive applications such as large file transfers, videoconferencing, streaming, gaming, and more will perform more optimally.

The choice of internet connectivity should be guided by current and anticipated future demands. A comprehensive assessment of both work and home needs and goals can help individuals make informed decisions and avoid potential regrets later on.

If you need assistance, Utah Broadband’s team of experts is here to help assess your needs and recommend the best solutions to meet your goals. Our customer support team is available to assist you via phone at 801-717-2000 or by email at Support@utahbroadband.com.