- Since the first competing dial-up modems hit the market in the mid-1990s, Internet connection speed tests have been in existence. These benchmark tests have been the foundation of marketing and advertising plans for every major and minor ISP. As higher speed connections become more wide spread, the performance comparison of the options available to consumers has played a greater and greater role in the marketplace. Internet connection speed tests have evolved to better level the playing field between ISPs by being offered through independent (and mostly unbiased) test providers to better allow the consumer to make informed decisions.
- An Internet connection speed test is used to test the average throughput of upload and download amounts over time. To properly benchmark the upload and download speeds of an ISP, testing is done over an equivalent distance between the provider and end user. Architecture differences between cable and DSL providers' infrastructure can add error rates to any test that is conducted as well as the quality of supporting infrastructure hardware at the time of the benchmark testing. Many of these factors can not be controlled, but items, such as using the same test over an equivalent distance, can help to best equalize the benchmark test between competing standards and companies.
- There are several types of testing associated with Internet speed testing. First, is the test of throughput of upload and download speeds. This test measures from one or many servers in geographically diverse locations the speed of sending and receiving data from the client computer (your PC or Mac). Normally this test results in an output such as 800Kb/sec download, 300Kb/sec upload for a high speed connection with results varying based on location, connection type and line quality. Second is the line quality test which helps determine if the reason behind excessive latency in a high speed connection is due to line or router problems between your computer and the servicing ISP. The third most important test is a test of the primary computer used in the client's home or business to ensure the computer is configured properly to best use the high speed connection.
- Benefits for Internet speed tests come at two points in the consumer's decision cycle for selecting an ISP. The first occurs before the consumer has a dedicated ISP in the home or business and is trying to make a decision between providers. Through the dedicated use of an unbiased Internet connection speed test company over the course of several days and time of day, the consumer can gain insight on potential performance differences between competing companies. The second is after a consumer has been with an ISP for a pro-longed time-frame but starts to experience issues with latency or dropped data from their provider. The consumer can then use the benchmark tests to determine if other service providers in the local area are performing at a higher and faster level than the existing service provider.
- When choosing a company to benchmark test Internet connection speeds, the average consumer will likely not want to go much past the freely available benchmark testing websites on the Internet today. These sites have evolved to the point of offering very complex testing packages at no cost from multiple, geographically located test servers. If examining options for a business solution where there is going to be a significant amount of download and upload traffic, the best solution will likely turn out to be a commercially available contract to conduct a more thorough test over time.
