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When you think about home improvements, you probably picture a new coat of paint or updated kitchen appliances. It’s time to add your internet connection to that list. With smart TVs, security cameras, laptops, and phones all competing for bandwidth, your home’s digital infrastructure is more important than ever. Installing a fiber optic home network is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make. It’s not just about getting faster streaming today; it’s about future-proofing your home for the technology of tomorrow. This upgrade adds real value to your property and ensures you’re ready for whatever comes next.
Key Takeaways
- Get equally fast uploads and downloads: Fiber provides symmetrical speeds through a dedicated line to your home, which is essential for smooth video calls, lag-free gaming, and seamless remote work.
- Your router is key to unlocking full speed: A powerful fiber connection needs a modern router to match. Using outdated equipment can create a bottleneck, preventing you from getting the speeds you’re paying for across all your devices.
- Leave the installation to the experts: Fiber optic cables are delicate and require specialized tools for proper setup. Choosing a professional installation ensures your network performs perfectly from day one, saving you from potential frustration and costly mistakes.
What Is a Fiber Optic Home Network?
If you’ve heard the term “fiber internet” buzzing around, you might be wondering what it actually means for your home. Simply put, a fiber optic network is a modern way to get online that uses light to send information. Instead of the old copper wires used for cable or DSL, fiber networks use incredibly thin strands of glass. Data travels through these strands as pulses of light, which is why it’s often called the speed of light internet.
This technology isn't just a small step up; it's a giant leap forward. Because light can travel so quickly and carry so much information, a fiber optic home network delivers internet speeds that are worlds apart from what you might be used to. This means faster downloads, seamless streaming, and a more reliable connection for everything you do online. It’s the backbone for a truly connected home, capable of handling everything from 4K movie nights to a house full of smart devices without breaking a sweat. For homeowners, it’s about building a digital foundation that’s ready for today’s demands and whatever comes next.
How Does Fiber Internet Actually Work?
So, how does that light signal turn into the Wi-Fi you use to scroll, stream, and work? The magic happens at a small box called an Optical Network Terminal, or ONT. Think of the ONT as the translator for your internet connection. A fiber optic line runs directly to your home and connects to this device. The ONT then converts the incoming light signals into electrical signals that your router can understand and broadcast as a Wi-Fi network. This direct, efficient translation is what gives you that blazing-fast service for all your computers, phones, and smart gadgets. It’s a simple, powerful setup for a superior connection.
Fiber vs. Cable: What's the Real Difference?
The main difference between fiber and cable internet comes down to the materials and the method. Cable internet relies on the same copper coaxial cables that deliver cable TV, sending data as electrical signals. Fiber, on the other hand, uses glass strands and light signals. This distinction is huge because fiber optic cables can handle much higher bandwidth than copper. This means you get consistently faster speeds, especially for uploads. With cable, your neighborhood shares bandwidth, so your connection can slow down during peak hours. A dedicated fiber line to your home provides a more stable and reliable connection day and night.
Why Texas Homeowners Are Making the Switch
Across Texas, homeowners are choosing fiber for reasons that go beyond just faster streaming. With more people working from home, running businesses, and relying on smart home technology, a robust internet connection has become a modern necessity. Fiber provides the stability needed for crystal-clear video calls and the bandwidth to run dozens of devices at once. Plus, upgrading to fiber can actually make your home more attractive to future buyers, adding real value to your property. It’s an investment in a smoother, more connected lifestyle, which is why so many Texans are deciding it’s time to make the switch.
Why Choose a Fiber Optic Network?
If you’ve ever had a video call freeze at the worst possible moment or watched a loading screen spin while your favorite show buffers, you know that not all internet is created equal. While traditional cable internet has been the standard for years, a fiber optic network is a game-changer for your home. It’s more than just a minor upgrade; it’s a completely different technology designed for the demands of modern life. Choosing fiber means saying goodbye to frustrating lag and hello to seamless connectivity. It’s about getting the speed you need for everything you do online, the reliability you can count on, and a connection that’s ready for whatever the future holds.
Experience Unmatched Speed and Bandwidth
Let’s talk about speed—the kind that feels instant. With a fiber optic network, you can download a full-length movie in seconds and upload large work files without a second thought. This is because fiber offers symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload speeds are just as fast as your download speeds. This is a huge advantage for anyone working from home, creating content, or video chatting with family.
Fiber optic cables also deliver much better performance than older copper cables, sending uncompressed 4K/8K video and audio straight to your screen. That means no loss in quality for your movie nights. With the incredible bandwidth fiber provides, your entire family can stream, game, and work on multiple devices at the same time without slowing each other down. Check out the internet plans available to see what true speed looks like.
Enjoy Uninterrupted, Reliable Performance
Speed is only half the story; reliability is what keeps you connected when it matters most. Unlike cable internet, which often runs on a shared network that can slow down during peak hours, a fiber connection is dedicated to your home. This means your performance stays consistent, day or night. Installing fiber optic cable makes your internet faster and more reliable, ensuring you can enjoy seamless streaming and gaming experiences.
For gamers, this stability is crucial. A fiber connection can keep you connected all the way to victory, eliminating the frustrating lag that can ruin a match. Because fiber optic cables are made of glass, they are also less susceptible to interference from weather events like thunderstorms, which can often disrupt older copper-based networks. This means you get a rock-solid connection you can truly depend on.
Invest in a Future-Proof Connection
Choosing a fiber network is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home. The number of connected devices we use is only going to grow, from smart home assistants and security cameras to virtual reality headsets. A fiber optic network is built to handle these future demands with ease. The cables themselves contain dozens of individual fiber strands, each capable of incredibly high speeds.
This means your home’s wiring is ready for future technology, and you won’t need to worry about replacing it as internet speeds increase. By installing fiber now, you’re not just getting a better connection for today—you’re setting your home up for decades of technological advancement. It’s a commitment to building a smarter, more connected home, supported by a local provider who is invested in your community.
What Equipment Do You Need for a Fiber Network?
Getting set up with fiber internet might sound like you need a command center's worth of high-tech gear, but it’s more straightforward than you think. When you sign up for a service like Novos Fiber, our professional technicians handle the heavy lifting and bring the specialized equipment needed to connect your home to our network. Your main job is to make sure your home network is ready to handle all that speed.
The basic setup involves a few key pieces of hardware that work together to bring light-speed internet into your home and distribute it to all your devices. The primary components are the Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which acts as a modem for fiber, a high-quality router to manage your Wi-Fi, and the physical cables that connect everything. Think of it as a chain: the connection is only as strong as its weakest link. Using an old, underpowered router with a brand-new fiber connection is like putting bicycle tires on a sports car—you just won’t get the performance you’re paying for. Let’s break down what you need to get the most out of your fiber network.
Your Essential Fiber Optic Gear
The most important piece of equipment in a fiber setup is the Optical Network Terminal, or ONT. You can think of it as the translator for your network. It takes the light signals traveling through the fiber optic cable and converts them into electrical signals that your router and devices can understand. Our installation technician will typically mount this small box in a discreet location, like a garage, closet, or utility room, where the main fiber line enters your home. From the ONT, an Ethernet cable runs to your router, which then creates your home’s Wi-Fi network. This core gear is the foundation of your connection, and it’s all part of our professional installation process.
Choosing the Right Router and Switches
A quality router is crucial for maximizing your fiber internet connection. Since fiber delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds, you need a router that can handle that powerful two-way traffic without creating a bottleneck. Look for a modern router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6 or 6E). High-speed routers also come with advanced features like MU-MIMO, which allows the router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time, drastically improving your experience when the whole family is online. Some routers also offer Quality of Service (QoS) settings, which let you prioritize certain devices or applications—perfect for ensuring your work video calls are crystal clear, even if someone else is streaming a movie.
A Quick Guide to Cables and Connectors
The physical cables connecting your devices are just as important as the hardware. The fiber optic cables themselves are delicate, as they contain thin strands of glass. It’s important to avoid sharp bends or excessive pulling, as this can damage the internal fibers and hurt your signal. Our technicians are trained to handle these cables with care during installation. For your own wired connections (like from the router to a gaming console or desktop PC), use high-quality Ethernet cables, such as Cat 6 or higher. Using an older Cat 5 cable can limit your speed, preventing you from enjoying the full gigabit potential of your fiber connection. Proper cable management not only keeps things tidy but also protects your cables from damage.
How Much Does Fiber Installation Cost?
Let's talk about one of the biggest questions on every homeowner's mind: the price tag. When you hear "fiber optic installation," you might picture a complicated, expensive overhaul of your home's wiring. The truth is, the cost can vary dramatically depending on what you’re trying to accomplish. There’s a big difference between signing up for a fiber internet service and undertaking a massive DIY project to rewire your entire house with fiber optic cables.
For most people, getting fiber internet is a straightforward process managed by your provider. Companies like us handle the heavy lifting of running the fiber line to your home, which is a very different scenario from hiring a private contractor for a custom internal network. Understanding this distinction is key to figuring out the real cost for your situation. We’ll break down the costs associated with a full professional installation, what a DIY project looks like, and why fiber is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make for your home.
Breaking Down Professional Installation Costs
If you were to hire a contractor to run fiber optic cables throughout your entire home, the project could be a significant investment. Data suggests the average cost for this kind of custom job is around $4,500, with most projects falling between $1,500 and $7,000. This price tag covers labor, which can run from $50 to $150 per hour, materials, and potential permit fees. The final cost depends on the size of your home and the complexity of the installation, like whether cables are run through walls or underground.
However, it's important to know that this scenario is not what most homeowners experience. When you sign up for a fiber internet plan, the installation is handled by your provider. Often, the installation fee is minimal or even waived with certain promotions, because the goal is to get you connected to the service, not to rewire your house.
What to Expect from DIY Kits
For the tech-savvy and ambitious homeowner, DIY fiber installation kits are available. These kits are designed for creating an internal fiber network within your home, which is a project typically reserved for enthusiasts with specific needs, like running a home server. While these kits come with instructions, they still require a good amount of technical skill.
For the vast majority of households, a full internal fiber network is overkill. A much more practical and budget-friendly approach is to use high-quality ethernet cables (like Cat6a) to wire specific rooms from your router. This setup will deliver incredible speeds throughout your home without the complexity and cost of a full DIY fiber project. The blazing-fast connection from your provider is the most important piece of the puzzle.
The Long-Term Value of Fiber
Viewing fiber installation purely as a cost misses the bigger picture: it’s an investment in your home’s future. A fiber connection doesn't just deliver incredible internet speeds and reliability for today's needs—it prepares your home for tomorrow's technology. This "future-proofing" is a major selling point for potential buyers, with some studies showing that a fiber upgrade can significantly increase a home's value and appeal on the market.
Beyond property value, the immediate return is a superior online experience for everything from remote work and online learning to streaming and gaming. By choosing a trusted, local provider, you're not just upgrading your internet; you're making a long-term investment in your home's connectivity with a partner committed to your community. You can learn more about our local commitment and how we support our neighbors.
What Are Your Fiber Optic Options?
Once you’ve decided to bring fiber into your home, the next step is figuring out how to get it there. Your main choices are professional installation or a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. Both paths can lead to a blazing-fast connection, but they cater to different comfort levels, budgets, and technical skills. Let’s look at what each option involves so you can decide which route is the best fit for you and your home.
The Novos Fiber Advantage: Professional Installation
Opting for a professional installation is the most straightforward way to get your fiber network up and running. When you choose a local provider like Novos Fiber, you’re not just getting an internet connection; you’re getting a team of experts dedicated to setting you up for success. Our technicians handle everything from running the fiber line to your home to configuring your equipment for optimal performance. This hands-off approach ensures everything is done correctly and safely, giving you peace of mind. As a DFW-based provider recognized for exceptional customer engagement, we pride ourselves on a seamless setup process and ongoing local support, so you can just sit back and enjoy your new, ultra-fast internet.
Exploring Top DIY Kits and Brands
If you’re comfortable with home projects and want more control over your setup, a DIY kit might be for you. Several brands offer comprehensive kits that include everything you need to wire your home with fiber. For example, the InvisiLight Home Fiber Kit is designed for a clean look, helping you run cables without them being an eyesore. Another option, the PureFiber PRO, provides all the components to replace older copper cables for a significant performance improvement. While the DIY route requires careful planning and a bit of technical know-how, it can be a rewarding project for the hands-on homeowner.
Our Top Equipment Recommendations
Whether you go with a pro or DIY, using the right equipment is key to getting the most out of your fiber connection. A quality router is non-negotiable, as it distributes the high-speed signal throughout your home. Look for modern routers with features like Quality of Service (QoS), which lets you prioritize traffic for activities like gaming or video calls. You’ll also want to handle your fiber optic cables with care. These cables are powerful but delicate. To maintain performance, it’s important to use proper cable management systems and avoid bending them too sharply.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: Which Is Right for You?
So, you’re ready to bring the power of fiber internet into your home. The next big question is how to get it installed. You might be tempted to roll up your sleeves and tackle it yourself, especially if you’re a seasoned DIYer. On the other hand, calling in a professional offers peace of mind and a guarantee that the job is done right. Both paths have their pros and cons, and the best choice really depends on your technical skills, budget, and how quickly you want to get online. Let’s break down what each option really involves so you can make a decision that feels right for you and your home.
The Reality of a DIY Install
Going the DIY route can seem like a great way to save on labor costs, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Installing fiber optic cable isn’t like plugging in a new router; it’s a delicate process that requires specific knowledge and tools. The total cost of a DIY installation can add up quickly once you factor in the price of the cable, connectors, and specialized equipment. If the fragile glass fibers inside the cable are bent too sharply or connected improperly, you could end up with a weak signal or no connection at all. It’s a project with a high margin for error, and a simple mistake could damage the cable and set you back both time and money.
When to Call in the Pros
Hiring a professional is the most straightforward way to ensure your fiber network is installed safely and performs at its peak from day one. Technicians have the training to handle the delicate cables and the right equipment for the job. For instance, connecting or repairing fiber optic lines requires a tool called a fusion splicer, which can be prohibitively expensive for a one-time project. When you hire a professional, you’re not just paying for their time; you’re paying for their expertise and access to industrial-grade tools. This guarantees a secure, high-performing connection without you having to worry about the technical details. It’s the worry-free option for getting the best possible performance.
What to Expect on Installation Day
When you schedule a professional installation, the process is designed to be simple and efficient. A technician will arrive at your home to run the fiber optic line from the street to your house. Depending on your neighborhood's infrastructure, this might be done via an aerial line from a utility pole or through an underground conduit. Once the line is at your home, they’ll install a small utility box, run the cable inside, and set up the terminal that connects to your router. The team at Novos Fiber handles this entire process for you, ensuring every connection is perfect so you can start enjoying blazing-fast internet right away.
How to Choose the Right Fiber Setup for Your Home
Picking the right fiber setup isn't about getting the most expensive gear; it's about creating a network that fits your life perfectly. When you bring a powerful fiber connection to your doorstep, the job is only half done. The next step is making sure that incredible speed and reliability reach every device in every room, which is where a thoughtful setup comes in. A one-size-fits-all approach just doesn't work because every family and every home is different.
Think of it like designing a kitchen—the layout, appliances, and counter space all need to work for how you cook. Your home network is the same. A setup that’s perfect for a gamer living in a downtown apartment will be completely different from what a family of five needs in a two-story house in the suburbs. By taking a few minutes to look at your family’s habits, your home’s layout, and the devices you use every day, you can build a network that delivers seamless, fast internet exactly where you need it most. Let's walk through the three key areas to consider.
Assess Your Household's Internet Needs
First, take a quick inventory of how your household actually uses the internet. Are you a family of four, with two people working from home, one streaming classes, and another gaming online? Or are you a couple who mostly streams movies and browses social media? The whole point of getting fiber is for its incredible speed and reliability, so you want a plan that matches what you do online. Make a list of your daily internet activities: video calls, uploading large work files, 4K streaming, competitive online gaming, or running multiple smart home devices. This will help you decide which of our internet plans is the right fit, ensuring you’re not paying for more speed than you need or getting a plan that can’t keep up.
Consider Your Home's Size and Layout
Your home’s physical layout plays a huge role in your network’s performance. A single, powerful router might be perfect for a smaller, open-concept home, but a larger, multi-story house with lots of walls might have Wi-Fi dead zones. The materials used in your walls (like brick or plaster) can also block Wi-Fi signals. As you plan your setup, think about where you need the strongest connection. Do you have a home office in the back of the house or a game room upstairs? You might need a mesh Wi-Fi system or strategically placed extenders to ensure your blazing-fast fiber speed reaches every room. This ensures you get the performance you're paying for, everywhere you need it.
Factor in Your Devices and Daily Use
Count up the number of devices connected to your Wi-Fi. It’s probably more than you think! Laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, security cameras, and smart speakers all compete for bandwidth. A powerful router is essential to manage all that traffic without slowing things down. When choosing one, look for features like Quality of Service (QoS), which lets you prioritize traffic for specific devices. This means you can tell your router to always give your work laptop priority during video calls, preventing your connection from dropping just because someone else started streaming a movie. A good router is crucial for getting the most out of your fiber connection.
What Potential Challenges Should You Know About?
Switching to a fiber optic network is an exciting upgrade for your home, but it’s smart to go in with your eyes open. While fiber is incredibly powerful and reliable, the technology itself has a few quirks you should be aware of, especially if you’re considering a DIY approach. Understanding these potential hurdles from the start helps you make the best choice for your home and ensures you have a smooth, frustration-free experience with your new lightning-fast internet. Let's walk through some of the common myths, the realities of installation and repair, and how to properly care for your new setup.
Debunking Common Fiber Myths
One of the biggest myths is that setting up a full, end-to-end fiber network in your home is a simple weekend project. While the idea of running sleek fiber cables to every room sounds amazing, the reality is a bit more complicated. The high cost of specialized tools and the fragile nature of the cables themselves can make it an unrealistic project for most households. As one DIYer discovered, the practical problems, like the fact that fiber optic cables can break easily and are difficult to fix without professional gear, can quickly turn a cool project into a costly headache, especially if you're on a budget.
Understanding Installation and Repair Complexities
This brings us to the biggest challenge: installation and repairs. Unlike traditional copper cables, you can't just twist fiber optic strands back together if one breaks. Fixing a severed fiber cable requires a special tool called a fusion splicer, which can cost as much as a mid-range car. Sooner or later, a cable might get accidentally damaged—maybe during a renovation or by a curious pet—and a simple break could bring your entire network down. This is where professional support becomes invaluable. Having experts handle the installation and any potential repairs saves you from investing in expensive equipment you’ll rarely use.
Tips for Handling Cables and Preventing Signal Loss
Whether you have a professional installation or are just managing the cables around your home, it’s important to handle them with care. Fiber optic cables transmit data using light, and anything that obstructs that light path can weaken the signal. The golden rule is to avoid sharp bends or kinks in the cable; always allow for a gentle, sweeping curve. You should also avoid pulling or stretching the cables. For the best Wi-Fi signal, try to place your router in a central location, away from thick walls or large metal objects like refrigerators, which can interfere with performance.
How to Maintain Your Fiber Network
One of the best things about a fiber optic network is how reliable and low-maintenance it is. Unlike older internet technologies that can feel like they need constant troubleshooting, fiber is built for steady, consistent performance. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to keep your network in top shape. A few simple habits can ensure you’re always getting the incredible speed and reliability you signed up for.
Think of it as routine care for a high-performance car—you don’t have to rebuild the engine, but you do want to keep it clean and check the tires. These tips focus on the things you can easily control inside your home to prevent slowdowns and keep your connection running smoothly. From handling your cables with care to keeping your router happy, these small steps protect your investment and make sure every device gets the bandwidth it needs. And if you ever run into an issue that seems bigger than a dusty vent or a tangled cord, our support team is always here to help.
Simple Cable Management and Care
Fiber optic cables are incredibly powerful, but they are also delicate. Inside that thin cord are tiny strands of glass transmitting data at the speed of light. To protect them, you’ll want to avoid putting sharp bends, kinks, or too much pressure on the cables. When you’re setting up your equipment or tidying up, gently loop the cables instead of folding them.
A little organization goes a long way. Use cable clips or velcro ties to keep everything neat and prevent a tangled mess behind your desk or entertainment center. This not only looks better but also protects the cables from being accidentally pulled, stepped on, or snagged by a vacuum cleaner, which can help you maintain a stable, high-speed connection for years to come.
Monitor Your Network's Health
Your router is the traffic director for your entire home network, and it plays a huge role in your internet experience. A high-quality router is essential for making the most of a fiber connection, especially in a home full of smart devices, laptops, and game consoles. If your router is a few years old, it might be creating a bottleneck that slows everything down. For a quick performance fix, try rebooting your router once a month. Simply unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This can clear out its memory and resolve minor glitches. Also, check your router manufacturer’s website for firmware updates to ensure it’s running securely and efficiently.
Know When to Clean and Test Your Setup
Sometimes, a slow connection has nothing to do with your internet service and everything to do with the device you’re using. Your computers, phones, and tablets are constantly storing temporary files and data in a cache. Regularly clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can free up resources and make your device feel much more responsive when you’re online. It’s a simple step that can make a noticeable difference. On the physical side, make sure your router has room to breathe. Keep its vents clear of dust and obstructions to prevent overheating, which can cause performance to drop. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is all it takes.
Make the Switch to a Fiber Home Network
If your current internet connection struggles to keep up with your family’s demands, making the switch to a fiber home network is one of the best upgrades you can make. Think of it as building a modern digital foundation for your home—one that can handle everything you throw at it, from 4K streaming and competitive online gaming to running a house full of smart devices. With fiber, you get an internet experience that just works, eliminating the daily frustrations of buffering, lag, and dropped connections.
Fiber optic technology delivers symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload and download speeds are equally fast. This is a game-changer for video calls, sharing large files, and live streaming. A fiber connection provides the massive bandwidth needed to support multiple users and devices at once without sacrificing performance. You can finally enjoy a seamless online life, whether you’re working from home, attending online classes, or unwinding with your favorite entertainment. With a provider that offers blazing-fast service, your entire household can connect without compromise.
Beyond the immediate speed boost, installing a fiber network is a forward-thinking investment in your home. As technology evolves and our reliance on the internet grows, your fiber connection will be ready to handle future demands. It’s a durable and reliable solution that adds real value to your property. When you’re ready to make the change, choosing a local provider ensures the process is smooth and stress-free. Having a team that understands your community and is available to help makes all the difference in getting your home connected to the future of internet. You can see if service is available in your area and get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is fiber really that different from my current cable internet? Yes, it’s a completely different experience. The biggest change you’ll notice is consistency. Cable internet often runs on a shared network, which means your speed can drop when everyone in your neighborhood gets online. A fiber connection is a dedicated line to your home, so your speed stays consistently fast, day or night. It also provides symmetrical speeds, meaning your uploads are just as fast as your downloads, which makes a huge difference for video calls and sending large files.
Will I need to buy all new equipment for fiber internet? Not at all. Our professional installation includes the main piece of specialized equipment, called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which connects the fiber line to your home. Your main focus will be on your router. To get the most out of your new speed, you’ll want a modern router that can handle the performance. An older router can act like a bottleneck, but a quality one will ensure that blazing-fast signal reaches all your devices.
If I get fiber, will it automatically fix the Wi-Fi dead spots in my house? Fiber guarantees a powerful and reliable internet signal gets to your home, but spreading that signal throughout your home is your router's job. If you have a large house or one with thick walls, a single router might still struggle to cover every corner. Fiber provides the best possible foundation, and pairing it with a modern router or a mesh Wi-Fi system is the perfect way to eliminate those dead zones for good.
What does the installation process actually look like? Is it disruptive? We aim to make installation as smooth and simple as possible. A technician will run a durable fiber optic line from the main network connection to the outside of your house, usually near your other utilities. They will then install a small box inside (often in a garage or utility closet) and connect it to your router. The whole process is handled by a professional to be efficient and clean, getting you online with minimal disruption to your day.
Why is upload speed so important? I mostly just download things. You probably upload more than you realize! Every time you’re on a video call, your device is sending a constant stream of video and audio. When you post photos to social media, send a work presentation over email, or play an online game, you’re using upload speed. Even smart home devices like security cameras use it to send footage to the cloud. Fast upload speeds ensure all of these activities are smooth, clear, and lag-free.
