Quick Findings
- When possible, use a wired connection for the best results.
- Connecting to nearby servers will generally yield faster speeds.
- Ongoing downloads and uploads can affect the result of an internet speed test.
Tip 1: Use a Wired Internet Connection
A good internet speed is at least 25Mbps for downloads and 3Mbps for uploads. A wired connection can provide more accurate results during an internet speed test. It guarantees the best results. The following explains why:
- Ethernet cables generally provide faster speeds than Wi-Fi routers, making a wired connection more effective for maximizing high-speed internet during tests.
- Wired connections through Ethernet cables generally provide a more stable connection than Wi-Fi. They have lower latency and fewer fluctuations, providing consistent test results.
- Unlike Wi-Fi signals that experience interference from other devices, walls, and nearby networks, a wired connection removes these variables.
- Wired connections directly measure your ISP’s speed, while Wi-Fi tests can be influenced by router performance or network congestion, potentially obscuring your actual internet speed.
Tip 2: Select an Advanced Internet Speed Testing Platform
Essential speed tests usually only measure download and upload speeds. While this helps you understand your internet’s bandwidth, it doesn’t reveal all the details. An advanced platform might offer the following:
- More in-depth metrics could include latency (ping), jitter (variation in latency), and bufferbloat (which can cause lag). These factors are crucial to activities like online gaming or video conferencing.
- Basic tests may use a nearby server, which doesn’t reflect performance for distant sites. Advanced platforms usually have multiple servers, allowing region-specific connection tests.
- Some advanced platforms can conduct diagnostic tests to detect potential jams in your network setup, helping to troubleshoot internet connectivity issues.
When testing your internet speed, use an advanced speed testing platform to get more accurate results. To go about it successfully, choose a reputable speed-testing website or application. You can try the following popular choices:
Tip 3: Connect to a Nearby Internet Server
Connecting to a nearby server is crucial for accurate internet speed test results. The following are some of the reasons why this is important:
- Speedtest.net, for instance, identifies up to five nearby servers using your location and selects the one with the lowest response time for accurate results after pinging each server.
- Selecting a nearby server lowers latency (ping time). The shorter the time between initiating the “Ping” and receiving a response, the more trustworthy your speed test results will be.
- Nearby servers encounter less network congestion, providing a cleaner test environment. Testing against distant servers may present other variables that impact accuracy.
Tip 4: Pause Downloads or Uploads
Consider pausing downloads or uploads during an internet speed test for more accurate results. Pausing downloads and uploads clears the way for the speed test, enabling it to measure your internet’s true potential more accurately. The reasons for this include the following:
- Downloading during speed testing can impact the test results. Pausing downloads allows the test to focus exclusively on your internet connection speed.
- Similarly, uploading during the test affects the result. Pause uploads during the speed test to get an accurate result of your actual upload speed.
- Internet connection has limited bandwidth, which dictates how much data can flow simultaneously. Downloading or uploading files uses a portion of this bandwidth.
Tip 5: Close Unused Apps Before the Test
When running an internet speed test, close unused apps to significantly improve the accuracy of your results. Here’s why:
- Background apps consume system resources, including bandwidth. Close them to ensure your speed test concentrates only on your internet connection.
- Background processes can interfere with the test, affecting both download and upload speeds. Close unused apps to reduce this interference.
- Close the same set of apps to maintain consistency when running multiple tests and help track any changes in your connection over time.
Tip 6: Test From the Optimal Wi-Fi Location
When conducting an internet speed test, it is necessary to test from the optimal Wi-Fi location to get accurate results. This method is vital for the following reasons:
- Signal strength increases with proximity. Position yourself close to the router during the test to reduce signal loss.
- Walls, furniture, and other obstacles can weaken Wi-Fi signals. To get the actual speed, conduct the test from a location with low obstructions.
- The center of the abode is the ideal place to place the router to get better coverage throughout all areas. Elevate the router to enhance downward signal propagation.
So, to find the optimal Wi-Fi location for your speed test:
- Identify the router location.
- Reduce the distance and obstacles.
- Place the router in the central location of your home.
Tip 7: Consider the Hardware Specs of Your Computer
The hardware specs of your computer also have a lot to do with your internet speed. This is because:
- The network card, either wired or wireless, affects your computer’s communication with the network. So, ensure your network card supports the maximum speed your internet plan provides.
- While speed tests don’t heavily rely on CPU performance, a slow processor might affect your PC’s overall responsiveness during the test.
- Sufficient RAM allows smooth multitasking. Although not directly related to speed tests, enough RAM prevents stoppages when running other apps simultaneously.
- When downloading large files during the test, a fast SSD, sometimes achieved after formatting, can enhance overall performance.
Most modern computers from the last few years have the hardware required for accurate internet speed tests. However, older computers may limit this capability.
