Why Run an Internet Speed Test?

A question that is regularly asked is ‘ How can I test my Internet Speed?’, or ‘How can I find out how fast my Internet connection is?’  The simple answer to both these questions is to run an Internet Speed Test.

If you have paid for an 8Mb ADSL Internet connection how can you find out if you are getting what you are paying for?  Don’t forget that the headline speed that ISP’s quote is the download speed. The A in ADSL line stands for Asymmetric, which indicates that the speed in the 2 directions (Upload and Download) are not intended to be the same. If you need the same speed for upload and download then you need an SDSL line. SDSL lines are significantly more expensive than traditional ADSL lines.

What should a Good Internet Speed Test Include?

In order to test the speed of a Broadband connection there are several things that need to be tested. These include:-

• Internet download speed
• Internet upload speed
• Network Latency

Internet Download Speed

Download speed is a measure of how quickly can you download files from the Internet. This is the headline speed that the Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) quote when talking about Broadband.

Internet Upload Speed

Upload speed comes into play when you are sending email, uploading files or allowing other people to download information from your computer. If you are using a webcam or VoIP phone, like Skype, then you are using the upload capability of your broadband connection.

Network Latency

This is typically measured in milliseconds (ms) and shows how quickly your system responds to information. Low network latency is essential if you want to use a VoIP phone.

How can I run an Internet Speed Test?

There are several sites that offer Internet Speed tests, the best that we have found is http://www.speedtest.net/. This provides a comprehensive set of tests and includes all of the tests recommended above.

The image on the right shows the summary results from an Internet Speed Test from one of the ADSL lines recently installed in our office. ADSL lines are like fine wines, they improve with age. If you test the speed of your Internet connection when it is first installed it may not have ‘settled’ and could show a slower speed than the one achievable. Typically ADSL broadband reaches its optimum within a period of 6 to 10 days. If your Internet speed is significantly below what you are paying for you should contact your ISP and get them to check the line.

As well as the Summary screen, above, you will also see information showing you what the results actually mean. i.e. How long it will take to download a set of typical files.  This includes items like:-

• A 5MB MP3 file
• A 35MB Video clip
• A typical 800MB file

In addition to the Internet Speed Tests there is also a separate Ping Test (www.pingtest.net) This can provide more detailed information on the quality of your ADSL connection to the Internet.

What do you do if your Internet Connection is slow?

If the Internet Speed test above shows that your connection is slow, or certainly slower than the speed that you are paying for, then the first thing you should do is to talk to your Internet Service Provider.

If you don’t get a suitable response from your ISP then contact SystemAssure and we can help you a get a  better, faster, Internet broadband service. So run an Internet Speed Test today and find out how good your ISP really is.

Related posts: