If you’re on a video call or gaming online, a ping lower than 20ms is ideal. As stated earlier, ping measures latency in milliseconds (ms) the lower the ping, the faster your speeds. You will have gotten your results for ping, download speed, and upload speed in just a few seconds. All you have to do is start it if you’re using, you’ll even see a big button front and center that says “GO.” Click it, and watch the test do the rest. Some tests will have already chosen the test server closest to you. Once you’re ready to run the test, it won’t take long. It may also be a good idea to reboot your computer or whichever device that’s running the test before beginning. Speed tests can also be used to test Wi-Fi speed if you run one while on your wireless network, but a wired connection to your modem will give you a more accurate reading if you want to get insight into the Internet connection your provider is giving you. You should also consider disconnecting your router and using an Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi before starting. You should use as little bandwidth as possible while running the test. But before you start, be sure to close as many windows and applications as you can. All you need to do is make sure those results are accurate. Ping, upload speeds, and download speeds are the three main results a connection speed test gives you. This is done by tracking how much data is downloaded from the test server, and then how much is uploaded to the server in a certain amount of time. The thing the site does is test download speed, and then upload speeds. Ping rate, or simply ping, is a measurement of latency the lower your ping, the better.
The ping’s trip to and from the server is measured in milliseconds. It then sends a simple signal, or ping, to that server and gets a response. The first thing a test usually does is determine which test server is closest to you. It’s also available as an app for iPhone, Android, and Windows. also keeps a log of all your speed tests, making it easier to track and determine potential causes for a slow Internet connection. While there are several good services that you can use online to test your speed, including ones offered by several Internet providers, our technicians use by Ookla. We’ll discuss what fast speed test tools are available, how they work, what results they give you, and what you can do with them. Learning how to check Internet speed is quick and easy, and will pay off in the long run. Running a speed test and interpreting the results will give you a lot of insight into why you’re seeing slow speeds, and determine if your Internet provider really is giving you the service you’re paying for.
If you’re experiencing slow speeds there are two things you already know to do: checking and restarting your router, and troubleshooting your modem.Īnother step you should take is using a free speed test.
If you're paying for 1 Gbps, you might not be getting anywhere near the gigabit speeds you were promised, and there are many potential reasons why. Unfortunately, you’re not always going to get the fast and dependable connection your Internet provider is promising you. On the other hand, a wired (Ethernet) connection from the device straight to the modem will be about the same as the network speed to your home or building.Whether you work from home, stream TV, use smart appliances and home systems, or play videogames, you need nothing less than the Internet speed and reliability that you’re paying for. Over a WiFi connection, speed to your device may vary greatly depending on how close your device is to your WiFi point, as well as any obstructions or distance in between. Speed to your device may vary greatly depending on whether you have a wired or WiFi connection. This speed is measured to and from the device you are using to run the test, which means the type of connection has a big impact on the result. How quickly your internet can transfer that data from the network to your device and from your device back to the network determines your download and upload speed. Next, the speed test downloads and uploads a packet of data over that connection. The amount of time it takes for that information to make the trip is your ping. You will see the name in the lower right-hand corner of the testing window.Ī "packet" of information is sent from your device to the server and back. The internet speed test starts by identifying the network server that is closest to you.