"Gig" Service Information
What do I need to know about Gig service?
What is Gig?
Reliance Connects is now offering higher speed packages including up to Gigabit* speeds in select areas.
Whether you are streaming videos in 4K or playing online games “Gig” service with Reliance Connects will be able to do it all. Providing lightning fast Internet speeds to your home.
A Gigabit is 1000 Megabits. Internet speeds are typically measured in Mbps (Megabits Per Second). Our “Gig” service brings those Gigabit* speeds directly to your home.
Who needs “Gig” service?
- Anyone who wants to get the most out of their Internet.
- Anyone that enjoys blazing speeds when browsing, streaming or gaming.
- Anyone who just wants to have the fastest possible connection to the global online community.
So, sign up today for the fastest internet speeds available!
* Due to ethernet overhead, actual download speeds are limited to around 900 Mbps over a hardwired connection. “Gig” speed is what is being provided to your home and each device on your network may get different speeds depending on various factors including but not limited to: connection type (wired or wireless), the wireless chip in the device, distance from router, number of solid objects between router and the device, the material that those objects are made of, and the device itself.
Can My Computer Handle Gig?
What is Required:
- Gigabit Network Adapter
- Cat5e or Cat6 ethernet cable (not Cat5)
- Latest version of Windows (Windows 10 is the most recent, Windows 7 will be end of life as of 01-14-2020)
or
- Latest version of Mac OS X (OS X 10.15 Catalina is the most recent as of Oct 2019, Apple usually only continues to support the 2 most recent versions of their OS)
The reason we want you to be on the most recent version of your operating system (Windows or Mac) is to make sure your computer is up to date with the latest patches to ensure the least amount of vulnerability for your machine. Hackers just love a vulnerable machine on a fast connection so they can quickly and easily compromise your system.
Recommended:
- Dual-core CPU 2.0Ghz or better
- Solid State Drive (SSD) with enough storage space for the operating system as well as any programs, user files and temporary files. Most people are fine with 64GB – 120GB as a minimum.
- 4GB+ of RAM
What Type of Router Do I Need?
We offer a router that can be leased with the service at an additional monthly charge that will work seamlessly with our “Gig” service.
Contact customer service or the Help Desk for details.
If you are wanting to purchase your own router to use with our service here are the general specifications to look for:
- Dual-band AC wifi (supports 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands)
- 400mW power radio(s)
- Gigabit ethernet ports (10/100/1000)
- 4T4R antenna array for 5Ghz band (also called 4×4 MIMO); 2T2R antenna array for 2.4Ghz band (also called 2×2 MIMO)
- Dual core CPU @ 1.0Ghz or better
What About Wi-Fi on "Gig" Service?
What can I expect for my Wi-Fi on “Gig" service?
Although download speeds up to 900 Mbps are possible with a hardwired connection, maximum WiFi speeds could be limited by your device’s age and model. Other factors could include how many WiFi-connected devices are in use, website traffic and content provider server capacity.
Here are some examples*:
Mobile Devices (Wi-Fi)
| Release Date | 802.11 Version | Maximum Possible Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 – present | 802.11ac | 180 Mbps – 390 Mbps |
| 2011 – 2012 | 802.11n | 90 Mbps |
| 2007 – 2010 | 802.11n | 32 Mbps – 90 Mbps |
| 2006 or earlier | 802.11a/b/g | 32 Mbps |
Computers (Wi-Fi)
| Release Date | 802.11 Version | Maximum Possible Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 – present | 802.11ac | 195 Mbps – 585 Mbps |
| 2011 – 2012 | 802.11n | 180 Mbps – 270 Mbps |
| 2007 – 2010 | 802.11n | 90 Mbps – 180 Mbps |
| 2006 or earlier | 802.11a/b/g | 32 Mbps |
*Speeds listed are a maxium under ideal conditions, your speeds may vary.
Wireless or Hardwired?
Should I use wireless or hardwired for my “Gig" service?
Short answer, hardwired.
Long answer. Hardwired is the best possible way to experience the full speeds we offer. Best rule of thumb is anything that can be hardwired, should be hardwired.
When compared to wireless, hardwired is much less susceptible to interference and provides a much faster and more reliable connection.
It is important to use the proper cables when connecting with the hardwired method. Cat5e is the minimum ethernet cable type to support gigabit connectivity (not Cat5) and Cat6 is recommended.
Wireless can still be an option, but you will never be able get Gigabit* speeds over it.
See the wireless section for more details here.
Computers (Ethernet or USB Adapter to Ethernet)
- Is your computer capable of gigabit speeds? True for most computers manufactured after 2009.
- Does your computer have an Ethernet connector? Most recent laptops don't have one; they require USB to Ethernet adapter.
- If your computer requires a USB to Ethernet adapter, is your computer capable of USB 3.0? True for many computers made after 2013.
| Release Date | How is Ethernet Connected? | Maximum Possible Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 or later | Ethernet Connector | 930 Mbps |
| 2010 – 2014 | USB 2.0 to Ethernet Adapter | 400 Mbps |
| 2015 or later | USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter | 930 Mbps |
| 2009 or earlier | Ethernet Connector | 100 Mbps |
*Due to ethernet overhead, actual download speeds are limited to around 900 Mbps over a hardwired connection. “Gig” speed is what is being provided to your home and each device on your network may get different speeds depending on various factors including but not limited to: connection type (wired or wireless), the wireless chip in the device, distance from router, number of solid objects between router and the device, the material that those objects are made of, and the device itself.
Summary of "Gig" Service
Should I use wireless or hardwired for my “Gig" service?
- Verify your router can support speeds for “Gig” service.
- Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements.
- Proper cable type is important. Be sure to use Cat5e or Cat6 cables for your hardwired connections (not Cat5).
- Use hardwired connections where ever possible.
- Wireless will not support the full speed of “Gig” service, but you can still get excellent speeds depending on your device, router and other factors.
- “Gig” service is the Internet speed coming into your home, not what each device is going to get when the speeds are shared amongst all the devices that are connected to your network.