How to Test Internet Connection Speed

Testing Internet speeds is an easy way to know what to expect from your connection and to diagnose problems with your service. Here's how to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check what your connection speed is supposed to be according to your Internet service provider. There should be speeds for download and upload. The numbers from your ISP are probably higher than you will actually get, but this will give you an idea as to what your speeds should be.
2. Close all applications that use Internet bandwidth. This will help give you the most accurate result of your Internet speed.
3. Find a website that will allow you to test your Internet connection speed. Conduct a search for "test Internet speed." Speakeasy's speed test and speedtest.net offer speed tests. The results may vary from different sites, so check multiple sites for a mean result.
4. Test your speed and record the results. Most of the online speed tests take only a few seconds.
5. Verify the results against what your ISP says your speeds should be. Contact your ISP if there is a discrepancy.

Tips & Warnings

• Try speed tests at different times of day. Your speeds may be different at night or on the weekends when Internet usage is higher.
• Remember that wireless speeds may be slower than hardwired connections. If you are using a wireless router to receive wireless signals, you may have a slower connection than your ISP claims.