How to Test Your Internet Speed and What It Means

In today’s hyper-connected world, having a fast and reliable internet connection is non-negotiable. Whether you’re streaming your favourite series, working from home, or battling it out in an intense online game, your internet speed plays a key role in ensuring a seamless experience. But how do you know if you’re getting the speed you’re paying for? 

This guide will walk you through how to test your internet speed, what the results mean, and how to improve your connection if things aren’t up to scratch.

Why Internet Speed Matters

Your internet speed determines how quickly you can download, upload, and stream content.  To browse the web and use social media smoothly, you typically need speeds between 1 and 5 Mbps. For high definition video streaming, a connection speed of 5 to 10 Mbps is recommended, while 4K streaming requires at least 25 Mbps for a buffer-free experience. 

Online gaming is best with speeds ranging from 10 to 25 Mbps to avoid lag, and video conferencing via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams requires at least 5 to 10 Mbps for clear audio and video. If you frequently download large files, such as documents for work or big movies, a speed of 50 Mbps or higher will ensure faster and more efficient downloads.

If your internet speed is too slow for your needs, you might experience buffering, lagging, or painfully slow downloads.

How to Test Your Internet Speed

Testing your internet speed is simple and free. There are several websites and apps you can use, but the quickest way is to simply search ‘internet speed test’ on Google, and an option to run a speed test will pop up. The speed rest should take a minute or two at most. 

Before you run the test, make sure that you close unnecessary apps and devices, so that no other devices are using the internet as this could affect your test.

If possible, you should connect directly to your modem/router, using an Ethernet cable. This will give the most accurate results as Wi-Fi connections can sometimes be inconsistent.

Understanding Your Speed Test Results

Your results will show three key figures. The download speed, measured in Mbps, shows you how quickly you receive data from the internet and affects how fast you can stream videos, load websites, and download files. The higher the number, the better.

The upload speed, also measured in Mbps, shows you how quickly you send data to the internet. This is crucial for video conferencing, uploading files to cloud storage, or posting high-quality videos online.

Finally, the Ping or  Latency is shown in milliseconds, and measures the delay in data transmission, which is very important for gaming and video calls. A lower number here is better. A ping of under 50ms is ideal for gaming and video calls, and anything over 100ms could cause noticeable lag.

Example Speed Test Interpretation:

• Download: 100 Mbps | Upload: 10 Mbps | Ping: 20ms – Great for streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
• Download: 10 Mbps | Upload: 1 Mbps | Ping: 150ms – May struggle with HD streaming and video calls.

Five Things That Can Affect Your Internet Speed

If your speed test results aren’t what you expected, several factors could be at play:

1. Your Internet Plan: Get in touch with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to ensure you’re subscribed to a package that meets your needs.
2. Wi-Fi Interference: Walls, furniture, and even other electronic devices can impact Wi-Fi performance. Make sure your router is centrally located in the home. 
3. Network Congestion: During peak hours, like evenings and weekends, speeds may slow down due to high demand.
4. Outdated Hardware: Ensure you have an updated device. Older routers and modems may not support high-speed internet.
5. Too Many Connected Devices: The more devices connected to your network, the more bandwidth is shared, slowing things down.

Regularly testing your internet speed ensures you’re getting the performance you’re paying for. If your current speeds aren’t cutting it, Faircom offers high-speed, reliable internet solutions tailored to your needs.

Get in touch with us today and experience the internet the way it should be—fast, stable, and hassle-free!