Networks and Wi-Fi

How to run an internet speed test that tells you something

You run a speed test, it says the connection is fine, and things are still slow. Here is how to get a result you can use.

1 min readChecklist

The short version

A speed test is a good first step when the internet feels slow. Where and how you run it makes a big difference to what it shows.

Before you test

Use a cabled computer if you can. A test over Wi-Fi measures your Wi-Fi as much as your internet.
If you must use Wi-Fi, sit near an access point.
Close other programs, especially video, large downloads and cloud syncing.
Note the time. Speeds can be lower at busy times of day.

Download: how fast data comes in. Affects loading web pages, downloading files and watching video.
Upload: how fast data goes out. Affects video calls, sending large files and cloud backups. Often much lower than download.
Ping or latency: how long it takes data to make a round trip, in milliseconds. Lower is better. High latency makes video calls and phone calls choppy.
Jitter, if shown: how much the latency jumps around. High jitter also hurts calls.

Test a few times, at different times of day.
Compare with what you pay for. Check your plan’s stated speeds.
Compare Wi-Fi and cable results from the same spot. If cable is fast and Wi-Fi is slow, the problem is inside the office.
Write down the results with dates and times before calling your provider or IT.

A good speed test at one desk does not mean the network is fine everywhere. If the problem is with one application or one area, tell IT that too.

Tell us what you run today and what is getting in the way. We will get back to you about how we can help.