MultiGig FAQs

Why Choose MultiGig Speeds with GVTC?

MultiGig internet speeds are designed for those who need more power, more speed, and more reliability — whether you’re managing a busy household, running a business, or just want the best possible online experience. MultiGig speeds (exceeding 1 Gig) give you the bandwidth to handle it all without compromise.

What is MultiGig Internet?

MultiGig internet means ultra-fast connectivity that supports everything from streaming in 4K to running smart home devices and gaming. With GVTC’s 2 Gig and 5 Gig speeds, you can:
- Enjoy symmetrical speeds for fast uploads and downloads.
  - Symmetrical upload and download speeds mean your internet connection offers the same speed for both uploading and downloading data, which is ideal for tasks like video conferencing, live streaming, and gaming.
- Stream in 4K+ on multiple devices without buffering
- Game competitively with reduced latency
- Work from home seamlessly with crystal-clear video calls
- Connect 25+ devices without slowdowns

Who Needs MultiGig Speeds?

If you have a large number of connected devices, download massive files regularly, stream in 4K or higher on multiple screens, play competitive online games, or manage a business with heavy data needs — MultiGig internet is built for you.

Key Benefits of MultiGig Speeds

Support for large households – Stream, game, work, and browse on multiple devices at once without slowdowns or buffering.
Blazing-fast downloads and uploads – Download full-length HD movies or large software files in just seconds.
Low latency for gaming – Perfect for competitive online gaming, ensuring quick response times and minimal lag.
Professional-level performance – Ideal for businesses and remote work, handling video conferencing, large file transfers, and cloud-based applications with ease.
Enhanced security – Faster speeds make it possible to send and process data quickly, reducing delays. This lets firewalls check traffic efficiently and allows encryption to secure and access information without causing major slowdowns.
Seamless smart home integration – Effortlessly connect and manage various smart home devices without interruptions.
Future-proofing – Stay ahead with speeds that accommodate the growing demands of technology and internet usage.
Improved video conferencing quality – Experience crystal-clear video calls with minimal buffering, ideal for remote work and virtual meetings.

Speed or Bandwidth—what's the difference?

Many people confuse speed and bandwidth, but here’s the breakdown:

Bandwidth is how much data can move through your internet connection at once.
Speed (or throughput) is how fast that data reaches your device.

Think of it like a highway: Bandwidth is the number of lanes, and speed is how fast cars can move. More bandwidth means more traffic can move smoothly—so even when your whole household is online, you won’t experience slowdowns.

How can I check my speed?

For the most accurate speed test, use the GVTC WiFi App. Other online speed tests may not fully reflect your actual speeds due to testing limitations.

What Equipment Do I Need for MultiGig Internet?

To take full advantage of MultiGig internet speeds, you will need:

MultiGig Router: A Calix router, which is capable of handling multi-gig speeds to ensure optimal performance.
Compatible Devices: Devices that support MultiGig speeds, such as certain laptops, desktops, and network adapters.

How Can I Optimize My Hardware to Achieve 2 Gigs or 5 Gigs on My Speed Test?

To unlock the full potential of your MultiGig speed plan (2 Gigs or 5 Gigs), your hardware must meet specific requirements:
- Wired Connection – Use a CAT6 or CAT6a Ethernet cable for a direct connection to your modem.
- Network Interface Card (NIC) – Your device needs a network interface card that supports MultiGig speeds. Older devices may not have this capability.

What factors impact the speeds I get on my devices?

Several things impact the speeds you experience on your devices:
- Device Capability – The newest laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles support higher speeds, while older ones may be limited.
- Number of Connected Devices – More devices share bandwidth, but with GVTC’s MultiGig speeds, you won’t notice slowdowns.
- WiFi Signal Strength – Walls, floors, and interference from other networks can impact WiFi performance.
- Website or App Speed Limits – Some services don’t support ultra-fast speeds, no matter how fast your internet is.

Wired vs. Wireless Performance

To reach the fastest speeds available, connect your device directly to the Calix WiFi Router using an Ethernet cable:
- Plug the cable into your device and the 10G LAN port on the back of your Calix router.
- For best results, use a CAT6 or CAT6a Ethernet cable.
- Pro Tip: Use a Network Switch for More Devices
- Need to hardwire multiple devices? Use a 10G network switch for consistent high-speed performance across all your devices. Recommended options include:
  - TP-Link TL-SX105
  - TP-Link TL-SX1008

Network Interface Cards (NICs) – Are You Equipped for MultiGig Speeds?

To take full advantage of MultiGig internet speeds, your device must be equipped with a compatible Network Interface Card (NIC). While most PCs and laptops made after 2021 typically support up to 1 Gig, they do not usually come with MultiGig NICs out of the box. For example, many standard consumer devices—even newer ones—are limited to 1 Gig. Higher-end gaming PCs may include a 2.5 Gig NIC, which could support a 2 Gig internet package but would still fall short of utilizing a 5 Gig package to its fullest.
Before upgrading to a MultiGig plan, we recommend verifying your device's NIC specifications to ensure you can take full advantage of the speed available.
Pro Tip: Upgrade Older Devices
- If your device was made before 2021, you may need to install a new NIC or use an adapter. Recommended options include:
  - Sonnet Solo 10G 10GBASE-T
  - Sabrent Thunderbolt 10G TH-S3EA
  - OWC Thunderbolt 3 10G
  - On some gaming consoles, the built-in NIC may be limited to 1 Gig.