How to Test the Speed of a Wireless Card

Many wireless cards advertise speeds of up to 54 megabits per second (Mbps). Most of the time, though, it doesn't feel like the wireless connection on your laptop or desktop computer is that fast. And that's because it isn't. About half of that speed is being used to connect your laptop or desktop computer to the router, and the remaining megabits are being used to both download and upload information while battling against other wireless devices interfering with your signal. For a realistic representation of your wireless connection speeds, several websites offer connection speed tests.

Instructions

Speedtest

1. Ensure that you are connected to your wireless network by checking your wireless connection icon in the system tray at the bottom of the screen on Windows computers or in the top bar on Mac computers. If the icon is full, your wireless connection strength is secure.

2. Open your Internet browser and go to the Speedtest website.

3. Click the "Begin Test" button at the top center of the screen once the website is fully loaded. Let the test run, and it will give you the maximum download and upload speeds and an average for other users who subscribe to the same Internet service provider in your area.

Speakeasy

1. Ensure that you are connected to your wireless network by checking your wireless connection icon in the system tray at the bottom of the screen on Windows computers or in the top bar on Mac computers. If the icon is full, your wireless connection strength is secure.

2. Open your Internet browser and go to the Speakeasy website.

3. Click the city closest to your location once the website is fully loaded. Let the test run, and it will give you the maximum download and upload speed.

PC911

1. Ensure that you are connected to your wireless network by checking your wireless connection icon in the system tray at the bottom of the screen on Windows computers or in the top bar on Mac computers. If the icon is full, your wireless connection strength is secure.

2. Open your Internet browser and go to the PC911 website.

3. Click the "Begin" button once the website is fully loaded. Let the test run, and it will give you the maximum download and upload speed.

References

• Illinois Cites: Wireless Networking Speed

Resources

• Speedtest: The Global Broadband Speed Test
• Speakeasy: Speed Test
• PC911: Internet Speed Test