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My 45 minute speed test at a local cafe busted a big myth
I always thought busy coffee shops had way stronger wifi than slow ones, but last Tuesday at Brew & Byte I clocked 12 Mbps down during their lunch rush while the empty shop next door gave me 48 Mbps. Has anyone else noticed faster internet at quieter spots?
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norag5516d ago
Honestly, four years ago I ran a speed test at a Starbucks during their peak morning rush and got 4 Mbps down, then did the same test at a completely empty Barnes & Noble cafe and got 35 Mbps. So yeah, the pattern is real, but I don't think it's some huge revelation. It's just basic math, more devices on a network equals slower speeds for everyone. Ngl, I'm more annoyed that places like Brew & Byte don't just upgrade their plan if they know they're going to be busy. But most people just want to check their email or scroll Instagram, so they probably don't care enough to complain.
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fox.jesse16d ago
Wait, that's actually a thing? I had almost the exact same experience last month at a Panera near my office. The place was packed and I got like 8 Mbps down, couldn't even load a YouTube video. Then I walked over to this tiny bakery that had maybe three people in it and got 65 Mbps. It makes total sense when you think about it though - more people means more phones and laptops all fighting for the same signal. The cafe owner probably just bought the cheapest plan too instead of business grade stuff. I've noticed the same pattern at hotels and airports honestly. The emptier the place the faster the wifi.
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