How to Check Your Broadband Speed

A step-by-step guide to testing and understanding your internet speed

How to Run a Speed Test

Before Testing

  • Close all unnecessary programs and browser tabs
  • Connect directly to your router via ethernet for best results
  • Pause any downloads or updates

Understanding Speed Test Results

Download Speed

How quickly you can receive data from the internet. Important for:

  • • Streaming videos
  • • Downloading files
  • • Loading websites

Upload Speed

How quickly you can send data to the internet. Important for:

  • • Video calls
  • • Cloud backups
  • • Sending files

Ping/Latency

How quickly your connection responds. Important for:

  • • Online gaming
  • • Video calls
  • • Real-time applications

Common Speed Test Issues

Slow Results

Common Causes

  • • WiFi interference
  • • Peak hour congestion
  • • Background processes
  • • Distance from router

Solutions

  • • Use ethernet connection
  • • Test at different times
  • • Close background apps
  • • Move closer to router

How to Improve Your Speed

Speed Optimization Tips

Hardware Tips

  • • Use modern router
  • • Optimize placement
  • • Use ethernet when possible
  • • Update firmware

Software Tips

  • • Update drivers
  • • Clear browser cache
  • • Use QoS settings
  • • Monitor background apps

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