Test Your Internet Speed

When I first started using the internet, there was one speed available:  56k dial up.  (In case you are curious, there are still people who use dial up internet.)  Then, we had the option to upgrade from dial up to DSL, which worked at almost 100 times that speed.  Now, we have the option to get even faster internet speeds via cable and fiber optic lines.  DSL, cable, and fiber optic usually also offer multiple speeds.  However, with so many options available, how do you know that your internet provider is actually giving you the speeds it promises?

That's where Speedtest.net comes in. It will test your internet connection and give you a measure of how fast your internet is working. Then, you can compare the result to the speed you purchased. (If you are unsure what your speed should be, check your bill or contact your internet provider.)

A few notes about this test:

• It is best if you use a wired connection to your router for the test. Wi-Fi speeds can vary based on a number of factors, including distance from the router.
• Before you test, stop any other internet activities and tell everyone to stay off the internet for the test. Otherwise, your speed will be slowed by these other activities.
• If your speed comes out slower than you were expecting, disconnect your router and connect your computer directly to the modem. Try the test again and see if your speed improves. If it does, then your router is slowing down your speeds.
• Try testing your speeds at different times. Cable internet speeds can vary based on the number of people in your area using the internet.
• Do not be concerned if your upload speed is significantly lower than your download speed. Unless you are hosting a web site, your internet usage is primarily download. (When you open a site, your computer uploads a request to the internet, and then spends the rest of the time downloading the content the site sends you.) Therefore, service providers invest much more in boosting download speeds.
• Just because your service is not at the speed you purchased does not mean that your internet provider is the problem. There could be problems with your computer or router. Before you call your service provider, check for problems on your end.