Why Internet Speed Tests Show Different Results

An Internet connection is never 100 percent stable. Internet speed test should be used only to get an idea of the overall speed of your connection. Internet speed test will generally have your computer download a file and re-upload it to determine the results.

Internet connection type

A DSL connection uses your telephone line to send and receive data. The quality of your phone line can affect the performance of your connection. As the name suggest, a cable connection uses a cable connection to send and receive data. Your cable connection can be slowed down when traffic is heavy from those using the same Internet service provider.

Location

Most Internet speed test will have you select a test server closest to your physical location. Gathering results from multiple speed test using different servers in different locations (not all of which may be local to you) will result in varying results.

Your computer

It is best to run Internet speed test with any bandwidth using programs closed. Common background program such as antivirus, P2P programs, instant messengers and games can result in varying speed test results.

References

• Speedtest: About
• TestMySpeed: Modem speed test
• Typesofinternetconnections: Types of Internet Connections