How to check your Internet Speed

If web pages seem to be slow in loading, internet games are lagging, or you are getting time-out connection errors, this could indicate that you are experiencing a low internet connection rate. The speed test will measure your current line throughput or internet connection speed. Here's an easy way to see what your connection rate is running at.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   First open your browser to your preferred test site. I prefer the speakeasy.net site (please see Resources). There are a number of test sites you can find to run your test without incurring any fees. You can google "internet speed test" for more locations.

2. 
    
   Choose test location

   Next you'll want to choose the test location nearest to where you live. Initiate the test for that location. At this time the test site will send a signal to your computer, and your computer will respond, resulting in the download and upload speed determinations. Allow the test to run completely. This should only take a few minutes. Do not closing the web page prior to completion of the test.

3. 
    
   Upload Test Run

   At completion, you'll see the results of your download and upload speed. Divide this result by 1,000 to compare to your provider's max speed possible for your connection service. (i.e. If your provider says your speeds will be "Up to 20M" for downloads, this will show on the speakeasy.net test result as 20,000 kbps if your speed is up to par.

4. 
    

   You can run the test as many times as you wish. Keep track of your results from each test to compare them for consistency. If you choose different servers be sure to do at least 2 runs per server to keep accurate comparisons. You'll then also have an easy reference for each test if you need to contact your service provider for further diagnostics.

Tips & Warnings

• Try running the test 2 or 3 times, this will show you if your signal is running consistently.
• Try different sites, sometimes you will find the results have a greater variance than you would expect to see. Keep in mind that server traffic and hops required to the servers will cause faster or slower rate results.
• If your modem is running slow, you can power it down by disconnecting the power cable, wait 10-15 seconds and then power it back up. Many times this clears the lag you may be experiencing by "rebooting" your modem.
• If your speeds still seem to be lacking optimum connections, contact your internet service provider and request they run a test check. Save your test results from the site you used to test your speed to reference to during your call.

Resources

• SpeakEasy Internet Speed Test
• Las Vegas Data Transfer Test

[1InternetSmarty]

on 3/30/2009 Super helpful. Love your articles. Five stars.

[msblakely7]

on 2/10/2009 Thanks for the great info!

[street-smart]

on 2/10/2009 Thanks for the info. 5*

[motherNN]

on 2/8/2009 I did this. I found it did help everything work better.....and faster. 5*****

[wedgiemyer]

on 2/7/2009 Thank you! 5*