Do you face buffering and poor video quality while streaming or watching it? Insufficient network bandwidth is often the primary issue that prevents the smooth production of high-definition content and your ability to watch it. The solution is to increase your bandwidth, and we have developed specific strategies that address this successfully. If you need this, read the article further.
What is Network Bandwidth, and Why Is It Important for Streaming?
First, let’s explain what bandwidth is and how it affects streaming and other content you broadcast or consume.
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted over your internet connection in a given period, usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps). This capacity determines how quickly data can move from the internet to your devices and vice versa. For streaming, sufficient bandwidth is necessary because it impacts whether video or audio plays smoothly without interruption.
What Bandwidth Should Be Provided For Streaming?
The bandwidth required for streaming varies depending on the desired quality of the content. To stream standard-definition (SD) content, a bandwidth of 3-4 Mbps is typically sufficient. The bandwidth requirement for high-definition (HD) content increases to between 5 and 8 Mbps. Full high-definition (1080p) content generally needs around 5 Mbps. Meanwhile, streaming ultra-high-definition (4K) content demands a minimum of 25 Mbps to get smooth playback without interruptions.

Several factors can impact streaming quality and influence bandwidth consistency. Network congestion occurs when many devices and applications use the network simultaneously, reducing the bandwidth available for each connection. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) might also reduce bandwidth during busy periods or for specific activities, a practice known as ISP throttling. Additionally, older routers and modems may not meet the demands of modern streaming technology, resulting in slower speeds and unreliable connections.

Bandwidth directly influences both the broadcast and consumption of streaming content. High bandwidth enables high-quality videos to stream smoothly without interruptions, which is necessary if you participate in live chats or watch live streams. For streamers, it allows seamless broadcasting and immediate interaction with viewers, and it keeps the audience engaged. Conversely, low bandwidth causes frequent pauses, poor video quality, and even disconnections during streaming.
How Can You Check the Bandwidth?
Now that you understand the bandwidth requirements for popular video qualities most commonly used for streaming, you should verify whether your connection meets these standards. To do this, you must run a speed test.
Note: You can conduct these tests with various online tools, such as Speedtest by Ookla, Fast.com by Netflix, or the speed test feature provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
To accurately measure your bandwidth, run several tests at different times throughout the day. Additionally, connect directly to your router with an Ethernet cable to check for differences between wired and wireless speeds.

After you run the tests, you must check the results. If your speed tests show that your connection achieves at least 90% of the speed your ISP guarantees, this typically means your ISP meets its service commitments (If your speed test results are satisfactory, proceed to the next section of our guide, where we will show you further steps to improve your streaming.) If the results are consistently lower than 90% of the speed promised by your ISP, it suggests a problem. In such cases, you should contact your provider to discuss the issue.

Pay attention: It is normal for bandwidth not to reach 100% of the promised speed, and 90% to 95% is generally accepted as adequate.
How to Increase Your Current Network Bandwidth for Streaming?
You can now devise a plan for further action based on the speed test results. If your test indicates less than 90% of the speed your provider declared, the solution is simple: contact them to resolve the issue. However, if your results show 90-95% of the promised speed but you still face buffering, delays, or even complete crashes during streaming, the problem is probably related to other factors. In the section below, we will explain what you should concentrate on to increase your bandwidth and speed up streaming.
1. Optimize Your Device
Your Internet router only forwards data to and from your devices via a wireless or cable. If the device from which you are broadcasting or watching a stream cannot handle this amount of data, it will affect the speed of your Internet connection and, therefore, the bandwidth.
What can you do in this case? Here are detailed actions you can take to improve device performance and how each action affects your streaming capability:
- Free up space on your device, whether a computer or a phone. Clear unnecessary files and data to give the system enough resources to process the high data flow required for streaming. This action guarantees that video content does not lag or freeze.
- Install and use reliable antivirus software to free your device from malware that consumes system resources and slows down your streaming capabilities.
- When you stream, turn off updates and backups. These activities consume a large amount of bandwidth and system resources, which you should allocate to streaming instead. Stopping these activities improves stream quality.
- Close other programs, applications, or processes that may consume device resources.

Note: On Windows, you can use Task Manager to check which programs consume the most bandwidth. On Mac, you can use Activity Monitor to identify and close high-resource-consuming applications.
- To resolve issues with speed and performance, you can clear your browser cache. Also, you can switch browsers to circumvent inefficiencies caused by the browser itself.
Additionally, you should consider the overall condition of your device. For example, if your device is outdated, such as being 15 years old, it may be more beneficial to replace it. Older devices might struggle with modern streaming requirements due to hardware limitations and pose security risks if they no longer receive software updates. This could lead to a subpar streaming experience that no optimization can fix.
Pay attention: Outdated equipment struggles with current streaming demands and can cause other streaming-related issues. For instance, if you’re recording a stream to publish later or to save it, system glitches in older devices can interrupt the recording process. These interruptions may corrupt the video file and make it unplayable. Fortunately, you can fix corrupted recordings with special video repair tools like Clever Online Video Repair. These tools are easy to use; you upload the corrupted and reference files to the platform, and it repairs the corruption, allowing you to download the fixed video.
2. Relocate Your WiFi Router
The bandwidth available for streaming depends on your router’s capabilities and its placement. Position your WiFi router in a central and elevated location, away from metal objects and mirrors. Do not place the router in closets, corners, or storage rooms. Instead, situate it near the place where you most often stream or watch content.
- Regular firmware or software updates are necessary for your router. These updates can improve the router’s performance and security features. To extend the life of your router, keep it away from direct sunlight and areas that generate heat. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause the hardware to deteriorate faster.
- You should change the SSID (network name) and password every 3-6 months to improve network security. Regular updates to your network credentials can prevent unauthorized access and maintain the integrity of your connection.
- If your router is aging, consider replacing it with a newer model that supports higher speeds, especially those that handle gigabit internet. Upgrade to a router with these capabilities to enhance your streaming experience and provide faster speeds and more reliable connections.
Note: Routers that only support 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connections are generally outdated. Modern routers typically support 802.11ac or 802.11ax standards, which manage gigabit speeds over wireless connections.
3. Customize Your Traffic Based on QoS
Quality of Service (QoS) is a network feature that allows you to manage and prioritize bandwidth usage for different applications, which guarantees that critical tasks receive the necessary bandwidth to perform optimally. If you implement QoS, you can prioritize streaming or gaming over less critical activities like torrent downloads or other background applications.
Here’s how you can set up QoS on your network:
- Log into your router’s administration interface, typically through a web browser.

- Locate the QoS settings. Depending on your router, they might be under Advanced Settings, Network Settings, Bandwidth Control, or something similar.

- Define which applications, devices, or types of traffic should have priority. For example, you might prioritize video streaming services and games.
- Save your configurations and restart the router if necessary to apply the new settings.
Note: If you still cannot find the QoS settings, check your router’s manual for specific instructions. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website, which often provides guides to access various settings. If these steps do not help, contact your router’s customer support for direct assistance with navigating the admin interface.
You can also use bandwidth monitoring tools to better manage and improve your network’s performance. Tools such as Wireshark, NetBalancer, and SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor provide detailed information about your network’s bandwidth usage. This helps you identify and address areas where bandwidth is overused.
4. Try to Bypass Bandwidth Throttling
Have you noticed that your internet speed decreases when you use a VPN? This occurs because a VPN encrypts your data and routes it through a server that may be far from your location, which can increase the data’s transmission time and processing load, thus lowering speed. However, paradoxically, a reliable VPN—usually a paid service—can increase your bandwidth. Reliable VPNs help you bypass provider-imposed bandwidth restrictions or throttling.
What is throttling? ISP bandwidth throttling is a practice in which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) intentionally slow down your Internet speed based on usage patterns, content type, or network congestion. ISPs may apply throttling to regulate network traffic and reduce bandwidth congestion during peak usage times. This practice can affect activities that use large amounts of bandwidth, such as streaming high-definition videos, playing online games, or downloading sizable files.
- You can use a VPN to bypass throttling; it changes your IP address and encrypts your traffic to shield your activities from your ISP’s scrutiny. This can prevent the ISP from imposing throttling measures based on your internet usage patterns.
- In addition to VPNs, you might use a Gaming Private Network (GPN) like WTFast. A GPN specifically optimizes internet traffic related to gaming. It routes your game data through its private network, which reduces the number of hops needed to reach the game server. This action lowers ping times and packet loss and provides a smoother gaming experience. Unlike traditional VPNs, GPNs concentrate solely on game traffic. They apply dedicated network benefits only to game data and optimize performance without affecting other internet usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, less common issues that affect streaming quality include ISP-specific peering issues, which influence how your internet traffic routes through various networks. Additionally, the physical condition of the cables that supply internet to your home, such as damage or wear, can degrade signal quality. Environmental factors such as severe weather can also temporarily affect signal transmission, especially for satellite internet users.
The bandwidth you need depends on the quality of the content you wish to stream. For standard-definition (SD) video, 3-4 Mbps is sufficient. High-definition (HD) video typically requires 5-8 Mbps, and ultra-high definition (4K) needs at least 25 Mbps. For environments with multiple devices streaming simultaneously, higher total bandwidth is necessary to accommodate all devices without degradation in quality.
Using an Ethernet connection for streaming is generally better than Wi-Fi. Ethernet connections offer more stable and faster speeds as they are not susceptible to interference, distance from the router, or obstacles that might affect wireless signals. For the highest quality and most reliable streaming, especially for HD or 4K content, an Ethernet connection is recommended.
To determine if your router needs a firmware update, log into its administrative interface using a web browser and the router’s IP address. Most routers have a section in the settings or tools menu where you can check for firmware updates. If an update is available, you can usually download and install it directly from this interface.
While many free VPN services exist, their reliability and ability to bypass bandwidth throttling can vary. Free VPNs often have data limits, slower speeds, and fewer servers, which may not prevent ISP throttling. For more consistent performance and security, consider a reputable paid VPN service. Some well-known free VPNs include ProtonVPN and Windscribe, which offer limited free plans with an option to upgrade to more complete services.
Wrapping Up
Increasing bandwidth to speed up streaming is not as difficult as it might seem. The success of these improvements often depends on the hardware you use. If your equipment is outdated, your first step should be to upgrade it to handle modern streaming demands. If your hardware is current, following the steps outlined in this article will help you achieve smooth streaming and avoid buffering and other common issues.