What is Bandwidth in Wi-Fi? Everything You Need to Know

The Scoop | 25/07/2025

When your internet feels slow, videos buffer, or Zoom calls glitch, it's easy to blame 'bad Wi-Fi.' But what’s really at the root of the problem? Often, it’s a lack of bandwidth. Understanding Wi-Fi bandwidth is one of the best ways to take control of your internet experience.

In this guide, we’ll break down what bandwidth really means, how it affects your Wi-Fi, and how to optimise it for smoother, faster internet across all your devices.

What is bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over your network in a given time. It’s usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Think of it as the width of a motorway. The wider the road, the more cars can travel side by side without slowing down. Similarly, the higher your bandwidth, the more data can flow at once.

In everyday broadband conversations, speed and bandwidth are often treated as the same thing. Technically:

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data your connection can carry at once (like the width of a pipe).
Speed usually describes how fast data travels through that pipe.

But since data travels incredibly fast, and what mostly limits your internet experience is how much data can flow through (bandwidth), broadband providers use “speed” to mean bandwidth.

So when your broadband provider talks about packages with 150 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps they’re referring to the amount of bandwidth you’ll get.

How much bandwidth do you need?

When choosing a broadband package, it’s important to pick one with enough bandwidth to support your household’s online activities, especially if multiple devices are connected at the same time. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand typical bandwidth needs:

Basic web browsing and emails: Around 5 Mbps per person
Video calling and conferencing: Around 8 Mbps per user
Streaming HD video (Netflix, YouTube): About 10 Mbps per stream
Streaming 4K Ultra HD video: Around 25 Mbps per stream
Online gaming: Typically 25 Mbps, depending on the game

Most homes have several devices connected at once, smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more. So, if you have a family streaming videos, gaming, and working from home all at once, you need to add these bandwidth requirements together.

It’s also wise to choose a broadband package with a little extra bandwidth, a buffer for software updates, downloads, or guests joining your network. This helps avoid slowdowns during peak usage.

For more help choosing the right broadband package, take a look at our broadband speed guide.

Wi-Fi vs Ethernet bandwidth

Bandwidth behaves differently on wireless and wired connections. Ethernet cables deliver data more efficiently, with fewer interruptions and higher reliability. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is subject to physical obstacles, interference from nearby networks, and the limitations of your router’s wireless technology.

Walls, furniture, and even other household electronics (read more about what materials block your Wi-Fi signal) can weaken your wireless signal, which reduces your effective bandwidth. That’s why streaming might work well near the router, but stutter or lag in a bedroom two floors away.

Wi-Fi standards and maximum bandwidth

Over the years, Wi-Fi technology has gone through several generations, each offering higher theoretical bandwidth:

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - Older, max around 600 Mbps
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Faster, up to about 3.5 Gbps
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Better at handling lots of devices, up to 9.6 Gbps
Wi-Fi 6E - Adds a new, less crowded band (6 GHz)
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) - Even faster, supports up to 46 Gbps in theory

It’s worth noting that these are theoretical maximums. In real-world settings, your actual bandwidth is much lower due to interference, distance, and network congestion.

Frequency bands and channel widths

Your Wi-Fi signal uses radio frequencies. These are like different roads that data can travel on. The most common are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, with the newer 6 GHz band becoming available with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.

2.4 GHz: Slower but travels farther and through walls better. Good for long range.
5 GHz: Faster but has shorter range. Less interference.
6 GHz: Even faster, very clean (not crowded), but works only with newer devices and has the shortest range.

Within each band, routers use “channels” to send data. Channel width determines how wide that path is. Wider channels (40, 80, or 160 MHz) offer more bandwidth but are more prone to interference. Narrower channels (20 MHz) are more stable but slower. Choosing the right combination depends on your environment and devices.

Download and upload bandwidth

When people talk about bandwidth, they often focus on download bandwidth, how quickly you can stream videos, browse websites, or download files. But upload bandwidth is just as important, especially if you do things like video calls, online gaming, or upload large files to the cloud.

Download bandwidth is the amount of data your connection can receive at once. It supports activities like watching videos, browsing the web, and streaming music.
Upload bandwidth is the amount of data your connection can send at once. It matters for sending emails with attachments, posting photos, joining video calls, and playing games online.

Both download and upload bandwidth work together to ensure your internet feels fast and responsive, no matter what you’re doing.

Why is your Wi-Fi bandwidth lower than expected?

Even if you pay for a high-speed broadband plan, you might notice your Wi-Fi feels slower than expected. Several factors can reduce the actual bandwidth your devices get:

Distance from the router: The farther you are, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal, which reduces bandwidth.
Obstacles and interference: Walls, floors, furniture, and even appliances like microwaves can block or disrupt signals. Check what materials block your Wi-Fi signal.
Older equipment: Older routers and devices might not support the latest Wi-Fi standards and speeds.
Network congestion: Many devices using the network at the same time share the available bandwidth, making it feel slower.
Interference from other networks: If your neighbours’ Wi-Fi uses the same channels, it can cause signal interference.
Background apps and updates: Devices downloading updates or running apps in the background use bandwidth without you realising.

How improve your bandwidth

If your Wi-Fi bandwidth feels slower than expected, there are several ways to boost your connection and make the most of your broadband plan:

Position your router well: Place it in a central, elevated spot away from walls and metal objects to improve signal coverage.
Use the right frequency band: Connect devices to the 5 GHz or 6 GHz bands when possible, they offer faster speeds and less interference than 2.4 GHz.
Upgrade your router: Older routers may not support newer Wi-Fi standards that deliver higher bandwidth. Investing in an advanced router can make a big difference.
Limit connected devices: Disconnect devices not in use to reduce bandwidth sharing.
Use wired connections: For devices that need reliable speed, such as gaming consoles or smart TVs, connect them with Ethernet cables when possible.
Enable Quality of Service (QoS): Many routers let you prioritise traffic for video calls or gaming to keep them running smoothly.
Consider a mesh Wi-Fi system: In large homes or those with thick walls, mesh systems help eliminate dead zones and provide consistent bandwidth throughout.

Understanding Wi-Fi bandwidth helps you see why your internet performs the way it does. Bandwidth is the amount of data your connection can handle at once, and choosing the right broadband package ensures your household gets enough for all your devices and activities.

By knowing what affects your Wi-Fi bandwidth and how to improve it, you can enjoy faster, more reliable internet.