Many individuals assume that just because broadband providers offer a specific type of speed with a given package, that their download and upload speeds are guaranteed, but this is generally not the case.
This is especially true with wired Ethernet, where customers are literally wired indirectly to the fibre-optic network via a cable. Whilst they might be offered a 10, 100, or 1000 mbit/s transfer rate, it doesn’t always mean that they will be able to utilise the full potential of the network. One of the clearest examples of a situation where the bandwidth for each individual user could be severely limited is a college common room. A 100 mbit/s Ethernet connection might indeed be available, but the problem is that it is shared between all of the users who have access to the network in that building. This effectively results in a limited bandwidth via the leased line running into the building that connects to the fibre-optic cable provided by the broadband company.
However, there are certain cases when an Ethernet broadband connection can have a guaranteed service, such as with a data centre or POP. However, it is important to understand that these are business broadband connections and not those typical of residential areas. Ethernet Internet is the most viable option for companies running high streams of data around the clock, but the price makes it fairly accessible for the common user. Also, the common user rarely needs a 10 gbit/s connection to send emails and stream online videos.