Is your internet connection not as fast as it should be? Running an internet speed test is a quick way to troubleshoot your Wi-Fi—as long as you know how to interpret the results. Take the first step towards faster internet with our comprehensive guide to speed tests.
What Is An Internet Speed Test?
A speed test measures how fast (or slow) your internet connection is in real time by monitoring network performance. It starts by sending a signal to the server and measures how quickly the server responds to analyze ping (or latency). Once complete, it downloads a small piece of data to calculate the speed. Finally, it sends that data back to the internet to determine your upload speed.
Accessing live stats on your upload and download speeds and ping lets you determine whether you have the bandwidth you need for all your online activities. If you’re unsure what these measurements mean, here’s a breakdown of the three metrics you’ll see.
Key Metrics in Speed Test Results
1. Download Speeds
Download speeds measure how fast you receive data from the internet to your device in megabits per second (Mbps). HD streaming, scrolling social media, multiplayer gaming and connecting smart home devices require fast download speeds for a seamless experience.
2. Upload Speeds
Upload speeds, also measured in Mbps, measure how quickly data is sent to the internet from your devices. Common online activities that require faster upload speeds include working from home (including video conferencing and file sharing), posting to social media and backing up data to the cloud.
3. Ping (Latency)
In addition to speed, the test will measure the delay between a button being pressed on your device and the action occurring on screen. Latency measures lag in milliseconds (ms) and should be as low as possible. Typically, any ping under 100ms is considered sufficient. For high-bandwidth activities like multiplayer gaming, aim for a ping lower than 50ms.
The Meaning of Speed Test Result Metrics
Now that you’ve run the test, see where your results rank. Internet providers advertise their network’s fastest speeds, so your actual results should be within 50 – 100 Mbps of your plan’s advertised speeds. If it’s lower than that, you may have a connectivity problem.
- Good results: Within 50 Mbps of advertised speeds
- Average results: Within 50-100 Mbps of advertised speeds
- Poor results: 100+ Mbps lower than advertised speeds
Types of Internet and Their Capabilities
You can expect different results depending on what type of connection you have. Each plan is different, so check to see what speeds you signed up for. If you don’t recall what your plan’s speeds are supposed to be, here’s what speeds each connection is capable of.
| Internet Type | Max Download Speeds |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 8,000 Mbps |
| Cable | 1,000 Mbps |
| 5G | 1,000 Mbps |
| DSL | 100 Mbps |
| 4G LTE | 100 Mbps |
| Satellite | 100 Mbps |
| Fixed Wireless | 50 Mbps |
Common Factors Affecting Test Results
Since tests monitor real-time activity, multiple factors could impact the results. Here are some ways to ensure your test is accurate:
- Network congestion: If multiple devices are connected during the test or if you have background programs running, it may cause lower speeds.
- Distance from the router: For the most accurate reading, run the test as close to your router as possible.
- Wireless connection: Connect your device to your router via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for the fastest signal.
Tips for Improving Your Internet Speed
If your results confirm your suspicions that your internet is slow, there could be a few causes. Try these quick fixes and run the test again to see if your speeds improve.
- Upgrade your modem and router: Restart your equipment and make sure their software is up to date to optimize your connection.
- Move your router: Place your router in a central location in your home.
- Plug your computer directly into your router: For the fastest speeds, connect your device directly to your router via an Ethernet cable.
- Close unnecessary applications: Quit any programs running in the background to free up bandwidth.
- Upgrade your internet: If you still don’t have the speeds you need for your digital life, consider switching to an internet provider that offers faster, more consistent speeds.
Upgrade to Lumos to Get the Most Out of Your Internet
Need an internet connection that can handle all your devices all at once without slowdowns? With 100% Fiber Optic Internet2 from Lumos, you get just that. Our equally fast upload and download speeds are designed to keep you connected, no matter how many people in your home are online. Plus, with whole-home Wi-Fi, you can experience consistent speeds in every room.
Check for Lumos Fiber near you and say goodbye to slow, unreliable internet.
