The Best Way to Test Internet Speed
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) generally state the speed of the Internet plan you are subscribing to, but depending on your computer, network and cable conditions, individual speed results can vary greatly. Therefore, you should test your Internet speed to make sure it is at its optimal level. There are several ways of testing Internet speed.
-
Bandwidth Test
-
Go to an online bandwidth testing website and conduct a test to determine your download and upload speeds. Certain companies will even compare your connection speeds with other users of the same ISP. They may even have features allowing you to change network settings to optimize your connection.
Manually Testing With Downloads
-
Conduct your own download test to determine the download speed. Download any file from a fast server. While the file is downloading, look at the download speed. The download speed will be shown in bytes so multiply it by 8 to convert it into bits. Compare the number to the speed quoted by the Internet Service Provider.
-
Third Party Network Monitor
-
Download a third party network monitor that continuously monitors your Internet connection. This allows you to monitor your download speeds and also allows you to analyze specific patterns. This is a useful feature for Internet connections that slow down dramatically during peak hours.
-