How to Test Internet Speed With an ADSL Tester

ADSL modems transmit information digitally over phone lines.

ADSL is a high speed alternative to traditional dial-up Internet that works over the same phone lines. ADSL Internet subscriptions are sold in various speeds, but most home ADSL connections don't perform at the speed they were advertised at. Factors like phone line quality, distance from your service provider and where your modem is set up in your home affect how fast your ADSL is. Test your ADSL Internet connection to see if you're getting all the speed your paying for.

Instructions

1. Close any file sharing programs, software updaters or other programs using an Internet connection. Cancel any active downloads or wait for them to finish.

2. Open a Web browser window and go to one of the speed test websites in the Resources section.

3. Select the nearest location to you, if given an option. Some speed testers choose automatically.

4. Click "Start" or "Begin Test." Your computer uploads and downloads a set amount of data from the speed tester, which then rates the speed of your ADSL Internet connection based on how long it took.

Tips & Warnings

• Do speed tests on more than one website to get a better idea of your ADSL's performance.

References

• Whatis: Fast guide to DSL

Resources

• Speedtest.net
• My Speedtest
• Bandwidth Place