Gigabits per second to Mebibits per second conversion

How to convert gigabits per second to mebibits per second?

To convert 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) to Mebibits per second (Mibps), you need to understand that the two units are based on different systems: the decimal (base 10) and binary (base 2) systems.

Base 10 Conversion

In the base 10 system, 1 Gigabit (Gb) = 1,000 Megabits (Mb). Therefore, 1 Gbps is simply 1,000 Mbps.

Base 2 Conversion

In the base 2 system, a Mebibit (Mib) is used instead of a Megabit (Mb). One Mebibit is defined as $2^{20}$ bits.

1 Gigabit (Gb) = 1,024 Megabits (Mb in base 2) = $2^{30}$ bits.

So to convert from Gigabits to Mebibits:

1 Gbps = $2^{30}$ bits per second

Since $1$ Mebibit = $2^{20}$ bits,

$\text{1 Gbps} = \frac{2^{30} \text{ bits per second}}{2^{20} \text{ bits per Mib}} = 2^{10} \text{ Mibps} = 1024 \text{ Mibps}$.

Summary

• Base 10 (Decimal): 1 Gbps = 1,000 Mbps
• Base 2 (Binary): 1 Gbps = 1024 Mibps

Real-World Examples

Here are some real-world examples of other quantities of Gigabits per second:

1. Internet Fiber Connections:

   • Many modern FTTH (Fiber to the Home) connections offer speeds like 1 Gbps, which translates to either 1,000 Mbps or 1024 Mibps.

2. Data Centers and Cloud Services:

   • Data centers may have interconnects of 10 Gbps for high-speed data handling. In base 10, this is 10,000 Mbps, and in base 2, it's 10,240 Mibps.

3. Network Switches:

   • Enterprise-level network switches and routers might support 40 Gbps ports. In base 10, this is 40,000 Mbps, and in base 2, it would be 40,960 Mibps.

4. High-End Consumer Routers:

   • Some high-end consumer routers designed for gaming and 4K streaming may support speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. In base 10, this is 2,500 Mbps, and in base 2, it's 2,560 Mibps.

5. 5G Networks:

   • Theoretical maximum speeds for 5G networks can reach up to 20 Gbps. In base 10, this is 20,000 Mbps, and in base 2, it would be 20,480 Mibps.