How to Administer a Speed Test for DSL & Broadband

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By Javanx3d
eHow Contributing Writer

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Final results of running the Internet Connection Speed Test Applet at DSLReports.com

Internet connection speed tests test the speed of Internet connections by analyzing the speed of downloading large files. By conducting download speed tests, you can compare the connection speed differences between DSL and cable broadband Internet connections. Conducting regular broadband speed tests will indicate if degradation of service occurs through explicitly measuring download speed performance.

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Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Micromedia Flash Viewer
Sun Java browser plug-in

Step 1

Go online to DSLReports.com, which has free tests with geographically diverse server locations available for testing (see Resources below).
Step 2

Select a Flash- or Java-based applet for conducting the Internet connection speed test. Most computers will be capable of running either version of the speed test.
Step 3

Select a server location. Available locations are Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Parsippany, New Jersey. Choose a location closest to your area.
Step 4

Select the "Get Data"' button on the speed testing splash page to begin the Internet speed connection test.
Step 5

View results of the Internet connection speed test on the applet dashboard.
Step 6

Compare download speed differences between DSL and cable Broadband offerings for your geographic area to determine what service is most suitable for your home or business.

Tips & Warnings

Cable Broadband connections can degrade over the course of a year depending on the number of subscribers in your geographic area who subscribe to the service.

Resources

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