Learn About Tablet Connectivity

What is it?

It is the act of connecting computers together to share data. Tablet connectivity is mainly done through a wireless connection. It is important to note that all connectivity speeds are theoretical and actual speeds depend on many factors. The following are the most used standards in tablets with their capabilities:

• Wi-Fi 4

  Also known as 802.11n, it supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
  Learn more

  
  

  Wi-Fi 4 Speeds

  1 Stream = 150Mbps

  2 Stream = 300Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Wi-Fi 5

  Also known as 802.11ac, it supports 5GHz only.
  Learn more

  
  

  Wi-Fi 5 Speeds

  1 Stream = 433Mbps

  2 Stream = 866Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Wi-Fi 6

  Also known as 802.11ax, it supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
  Learn more

  
  

  Wi-Fi 6 Speeds

  1 Stream = 600Mbps

  2 Stream = 1200Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Wi-Fi 6E

  Also known as 802.11ax, it supports the new 6GHz channels.
  Learn more

  
  

  Wi-Fi 6E Speeds

  1 Stream = 600Mbps

  2 Stream = 1200Mbps

  Ethernet 1Gbps

• Bluetooth

  It is mainly used for connecting with accessories wirelessly.
  Learn more

  
  

  Bluetooth Speeds

  Bluetooth 1.0 = 700Kbps

  Bluetooth 2.0 = 2Mbps

  Bluetooth 3.0 = 3Mbps

  Bluetooth 4 LE = 1Mbps

  Bluetooth 5 = 2Mbps

• Cellular

  Used to connect with your cellular provider to provide long range internet connections
  

  
  

  Cellular Speeds

  1G = 2.4Kbps

  2G = 14.4 - 64Kbps

  3G = 7.2 - 42Mbps

  4G - LTE = 150 - 1000Mbps

  5G = 1 - 10Gbps

How does it work?

Connectivity works by doing the following (over simplified) steps:

1. Send data
2. Receive data

Look for

• Wi-Fi Streams

  Check both your Wi-Fi router and tablet to see how many streams they support

  Most Wi-Fi is 2 streams. However, some are 3 or 4. Let's say you have a router with 3 stream Wi-Fi. It is better to get a 3 stream Wi-Fi for your tablet instead of 2, so that you take full advantage of your routers bandwidth.

• Use 5 - 6GHz Wi-Fi

  Use 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi when possible

  5GHz and 6GHz Wi-Fi are faster and less prone to interference, but their range is less.

• Router Proximity

  If you are using Wi-Fi, make sure you get as close as you can to the router

• Speed Test Cellular

  If you are using cellular, make sure to test the speed in the locations you will use it in

  Cellular providers always market "up to" speeds because cellular networks speeds depend on so many things. Because of that, it is recommended to test your device's connection in the intended locations. The advertised speeds can be much lower in reality.

• Cellular Coverage

  Make sure your cellular connection is covered in your location

  Don't get a 5G tablet is you don't have 5G coverage in your location.

Avoid

• 2.4GHz

  Avoid using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi

  2.4GHz is slower and more prone to interference, but has longer range. So try to stay close to your router to avoid using it.

• Cellular

  Avoid using cellular, use Wi-Fi instead

  Wi-Fi is much more energy efficient and usually cheaper.

Help Me Choose My Tablet

We have made a very simple tool that helps you choose your tablet by just answering few simple questions. So that you choose the best tablet for your needs.