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Getting the Best Out of Your Multigig Service (Business)

The following information is for small or home-based businesses. To find out what size your business qualifies as, as well as to discuss equipment and other important items, give us a call at 800-492-5989 and ask for our Business Sales team. 

Router Specs  

MEC provides you with a Wi-Fi 6 router that is capable of handling multigig speeds.  

If you plan to use your own router, it needs: 

  • Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) compatibility or above 
  • Dual-band or quad-band networking 
  • 10-Gigabit Ethernet port (minimum 2 ports) or above 
  • Minimum one 5GBASE-T RJ-45 (Ethernet) for 5 Gig 
  • Minimum one 10GBASE-T RJ-45 (Ethernet) for 8 Gig 
  • WPA2 security protocols or above 

Devices 

Ensure your computers, smartphones, and other connected devices are Wi-Fi 6 compatible in order to reach the fastest possible speeds. Older devices with outdated network interfaces will not be able to fully utilize higher speeds. 

Click here to check your devices’ internet capabilities. Even with newer devices, it’s important to keep them updated with the latest firmware. Older firmware may slow down your devices. 

Wired Connections Are Faster 

Ethernet connections are always faster than Wi-Fi because your device is directly connected to the internet. 

Ensure your devices have Ethernet ports that can handle 10-Gigabit speeds or higher. If they don’t, an adapter, also known as a dongle, rated at 10-Gig or higher, can do the trick (just make sure it’s compatible with your device before you buy).  

You’ll also need an Ethernet cable labeled as Cat6 or above for shorter distances, or Cat6A/Cat7 or above for longer distances. This information is usually printed on the side of the cable. 

Speed Tests 

Not all devices or speed tests are capable of showing you the multigig service that’s coming into your business. To test for multigig service, you need: 

  • Your Wi-Fi 6 router provided by MEC, or one that meets or exceeds the specifications above 
  • A device with a 10-Gigabit Ethernet port or above 
  • An Ethernet cable labeled as Cat6 or above for shorter distances, or Cat6A/Cat7 or above for longer distances 
  • The free Ookla desktop app
  • The free CommandIQ app

There are two types of speed tests you can run. The first, available via the free CommandIQ app, tests the speed of your network connection (the speed that's coming into your business). The second, available via Ookla's desktop app, tests the speed of the individual device that's running Ookla's app. Click here to learn more about the different types of speed tests.

To test the multigig speeds coming into your business: 

  1. Open CommandIQ. From the main dashboard, tap “My Network” and select “Bandwidth Test.” 
  2. Choose “Run Test.” 

CommandIQ will run its test and display the download and upload speeds of your internet network.  

To test the speed of the individual device running the app: 

  1. Connect your device with a 10-Gigabit Ethernet port to your Wi-Fi 6 router using your Ethernet cable. 
  2. Open the Ookla desktop app and begin the speed test. 

Ookla will show you the internet speed your device is getting. Remember that not all devices can take full advantage of your multigig service, so this test will not necessarily show your device reaching multigig speeds. However, now that multigig service is coming into your business, more devices will be able to reach and maintain their full internet speed capabilities at the same time. 

Wi-Fi 

Actual speeds might be lower than multi-gigabit speeds due to: 

  • Wireless interference. Signals from other devices like baby monitors, microwaves, garage door openers, and more can mess with your Wi-Fi signal. Building materials can also interfere. When possible, turn off any unnecessary devices, and make sure there’s nothing blocking your router. 
  • Distance from your router. The closer your device is to your router, the faster its Wi-Fi signal typically is. If your Wi-Fi connection seems slower than usual, try moving closer to your router. 
  • Your business’ wiring. Outdated or poorly installed wiring could limit the speed and performance of your connection. 
  • Your devices’ capabilities. The speeds your devices can reach depend greatly on things like hardware and up-to-date firmware. For more information about things that can affect your devices’ internet speeds, click here.

Final Tip 

If it seems like your equipment may not be able to harness the full power of your multigig fiber internet, we recommend contacting an IT expert. They’ll be able to help you determine if upgrades are needed and make recommendations.