Every now and then speeds vary on the internet. You might need to make sure that your speed is constant. Maybe it’s an on-going problem that you want to sort out, but before complaining to your service provider you need to ensure it is, in fact, the connection speed that is off and not something entirely different.

That’s why we provide this service. Our speed test is extremely easy to use and can save you a lot of frustration down the line. Simply head over to the Speed Master and click start test. It will run automatically and all you have to do is to wait patiently. We advise that you close any open browser tabs or windows other than the one you are running the speed test on.

Provided by OpenSpeedtest.com

Understanding internet speed

The speed at which your internet connection works is dependent on a number of factors. Head over to our article, Checking the Connection, to read more about these variables.

When purchasing an internet package, do some research. Don’t just go with the first internet provider that shows up in your Google search. Not only should you research the company, but take a look at the packages that they offer. Each one has unique fee structure as well as different speeds. Contact the company and ask them what would be the best connection for your area. For instance, if you are considering a DSL line, then the further you are from the internet provider’s office, the slower your connection will be.

Testing Internet speed

Testing Internet speed is an important way to determine the performance and reliability of your Internet connection. With so many activities like streaming, gaming, video calls, and more relying on stable Internet access, it’s crucial to understand your connection speeds. There are a few key metrics to look at when testing speed:

Download Speed – This measures how fast data is transferred from the Internet to your device. It’s measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). For most online activities, a download speed of at least 25 Mbps is recommended.

Upload Speed – Upload speed indicates how fast you can send data from your device to the Internet. It’s also measured in Mbps. Upload speeds don’t need to be as fast as download, but 5-10 Mbps allows activities like video calls and sharing large files.

Latency/Ping – Latency represents the time it takes for data to go from your device to the server and back. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms). The lower the number, the more real-time your connection will feel. Low latency below 50 ms is ideal for gaming and video streaming.

Jitter – Jitter refers to variations in latency. For example, if latency fluctuates between 30-60 ms, that jitter could disrupt real-time apps. Stable connections have low, consistent jitter.

To test these metrics, you can use speed test services like Speedtest.net, Fast.com, or your Internet service provider’s own speed testing tool. These services work by connecting to a nearby server and measuring the time to transfer a test file.

Speed tests are most accurate when run via Ethernet cable on a desktop or laptop. Testing over WiFi can be impacted by signal strength and other household devices using the network. For consistent WiFi speed, be close to your router and make sure no one else is streaming or gaming during the test. Also close any unnecessary programs that use Internet in the background.

Ideally you want to run multiple tests at different times of day. Speeds often dip during peak evening hours when everyone is home and online. Comparing results can help identify patterns and issues.

If your Internet plan promises speeds you aren’t getting, there are a few things to check. Make sure old cables aren’t limiting your connectivity. Connect devices directly to your router when possible to isolate the issue. Log into your router admin page and switch channels if needed to reduce WiFi interference from neighbors. Ultimately, contact your Internet provider if speeds are consistently below what was promised.

Of course, speed tests only reveal so much. The real test is using your connection throughout the day. Does Web browsing feel snappy? Can you stream 4K video without buffering? Can you hop onto a Zoom call without glitches? Real-world use shows if your Internet is truly up to speed.

Testing upload and download speeds can also help when troubleshooting sluggish connectivity. If download is fast but upload slow, that points to different issues than if both speeds are lagging. Poor upload specifically can disrupt video calls, online gaming, and other symmetric connections.

Speed will always vary to some degree based on site traffic, time of day, and other factors. The goal is having a consistent experience the majority of the time. With so much depending on stable, ample bandwidth these days, taking the time to properly evaluate your Internet speeds is worth the effort.

In summary, here are some key tips for testing your Internet connection speed:

  • Use a wired Ethernet connection on a computer for most accurate results
  • Close other programs using bandwidth during the test
  • Try testing at different times of day to compare results
  • Run multiple tests to different servers for average speeds
  • Compare your results to your plan’s advertised speeds
  • Real-world use matters – streaming, gaming, etc.
  • Test both download and upload speeds
  • Check factors like cables, router settings, interference if speeds are slow
  • Contact your Internet provider if speeds are consistently below the promised rates
  • Consider upgrading plan if speeds don’t meet household needs

Reliable, fast Internet is more essential than ever these days. Taking time to properly test and understand your connection speeds can help identify and resolve any issues. With a few simple tests, you can better optimize your home network and online experiences.