Older Home Networks Bottleneck Gigabit Services

Next-generation gigabit fiber speeds are running up against the limits of trailing-edge home Wi-Fi gear and other in-home factors, much to the chagrin of service providers and their customers, according to the latest research insights from Ookla. With FCC Consumer Broadband Labels now required to provide expected network performance information, consumers need to understand both what the labels are communicating and the potential limitations they may have in their homes to take full advantage of the speeds they are getting. Bryan Darr, Vice President, Government Affairs, Ookla explained said, “The Wi-Fi devices that most people have in their house, they’ve ordered from Best Buy or Amazon or bought at Walmart or Target or some other Big Box store. These older devices aren’t capable of handling the throughput speeds that are now being delivered, particularly with new fiber connections.”