Internet Speed Test: Check Your Speed & Fix Slow Connections
Verifying Your Internet Speed and Performance
Are you receiving the internet bandwidth for which you are billed? Have you ever conducted a test to determine your actual internet speed? Understanding how to maximize your bandwidth potential is crucial in today’s digital world.
This article details methods for measuring your internet speed and explores the various elements that can influence your internet performance. Practical and easily implemented solutions to common issues will also be presented.
The Difference Between Measured and Perceived Speed
It’s important to recognize that the speed reported by a test isn't always the speed you experience. A related article, “Understanding The Internet Speed,” provides a detailed explanation of this discrepancy.
This resource clarifies why there can be a difference between the bandwidth you're paying for and the performance you observe while browsing or streaming. Factors beyond your internet service provider (ISP) contribute to this difference.
Factors Affecting Internet Performance
- Network Congestion: Peak usage times can lead to slower speeds.
- Wi-Fi Interference: Other wireless devices can disrupt your signal.
- Router Age & Quality: Older or lower-quality routers may limit performance.
- Device Capabilities: Older devices may not support faster speeds.
- Background Applications: Programs running in the background consume bandwidth.
Each of these elements plays a role in the overall quality of your internet connection. Identifying the source of the problem is the first step towards improvement.
Simple Steps to Improve Your Internet Speed
Several straightforward steps can be taken to optimize your internet performance. These solutions are often easy to implement and can yield significant results.
- Restart Your Modem and Router: This often resolves temporary glitches.
- Update Router Firmware: Ensure your router has the latest software.
- Optimize Wi-Fi Channel: Select a less congested Wi-Fi channel.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: Reduce bandwidth consumption.
- Consider a Wired Connection: Ethernet cables provide a more stable connection.
Regularly assessing your internet speed and addressing potential issues will ensure you are getting the most out of your internet service. Proactive maintenance is key to a consistently fast and reliable connection.
Assess Your Internet Connection Speed
To obtain reliable measurements, it is recommended to utilize an internet speed testing service that employs a local server. Utilizing a distant server can introduce inaccuracies into the results due to the increased transmission distance.
Speedtest.net allows users to establish a connection with a server situated in close proximity to their location. Access the Settings menu, located in the top right corner, to modify your Preferred Server location and then Save the adjustments.
Once configured, click Begin test and await the completion of the assessment.
In my testing, a download speed of 6.17 Mb/s and an upload speed of 6.32 Mb/s were recorded. Alternative tests, which did not connect to a nearby server, yielded differing outcomes. For instance, Speed.io (currently unavailable) indicated a download speed of 5 Mb/s, while BandwidthPlace reported 3.88 Mb/s. Upload speeds from these services were approximately 6 Mb/s.
For a more detailed analysis of your connection, consider MyConnection PC Lite, a Windows application previously discussed in our article: Check Internet Connection Speed with MyConnectionPC.
You may be questioning what constitutes a poor result and what steps can be taken to enhance your internet bandwidth. Speeds that are 30-50% lower than your contracted rate, particularly during off-peak hours, should be considered suboptimal. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to explore potential solutions.
However, it's important to first understand factors that are outside of your direct control.
Factors Beyond Your Control Affecting Internet Speed
The speed of your internet connection is determined by a multitude of elements. It's important to recognize that some of these influencing factors are outside of your direct control.
Unchangeable Influences on Connection Speed
Several circumstances can contribute to slower internet performance, despite your best efforts to optimize your setup.
- Bandwidth Throttling: Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may intentionally reduce your bandwidth under certain conditions, such as when utilizing peer-to-peer file sharing protocols like Torrents.
- Geographical Distance: The physical distance between your location and the nearest telephone exchange directly impacts connection speed; greater distances typically result in slower speeds.
- Shared Bandwidth (Cable Internet): If your area relies heavily on cable internet, remember that bandwidth is shared among all users in the neighborhood. This shared usage can lead to diminished speeds during peak hours.
Determining if your ISP is engaging in traffic shaping can be achieved through specialized tools. The Max Planck Institute for Software Systems has created such a tool.
Testing for ISP Traffic Shaping
Glasnost, developed by the Max Planck Institute, simulates BitTorrent downloads on your system. This simulation can help identify potential bandwidth throttling by your ISP.
Enhancing Your Internet Speed: A Comprehensive Guide
Numerous factors can contribute to a slow internet connection. Optimizing your online experience often involves addressing these potential bottlenecks. This guide outlines several strategies to improve your internet speed and performance.
Addressing Hardware Limitations
The speed of your internet can be limited by your hardware. A modem's internal cache can impact its efficiency. To refresh this cache, simply disconnect the modem from its power source for a short duration.
Ensure your modem is capable of supporting the speed tier you are paying for, and verify that all connecting cables are securely fastened and undamaged. To initially assess if the issue lies within your home network, consider reviewing this resource: How To Test Your Home Network Speed (And Decipher The Results).
Wired vs. Wireless Connectivity
Generally, a wired connection consistently outperforms a wireless one. Wireless signals are susceptible to interference, which can degrade performance.
To mitigate this, try repositioning your router or adjusting your WiFi channel. Further optimization techniques can be found in this article: 8 Tips To Effectively Boost Your Wireless Router Signal.
Optimizing DNS Server Settings
The DNS servers provided by many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can be relatively slow, potentially reducing your overall bandwidth.
Consider utilizing free, high-speed DNS server addresses, such as those offered by OpenDNS. You can find the fastest DNS options and instructions for optimization here: Find Fastest DNS and Optimize Your Internet Speed.
LAN Cable Considerations
While cables up to 50 meters in length are generally acceptable, minimizing cable length is advisable. If a longer cable is necessary, opt for a gigabit-rated, shielded network cable (STP Cat5e or STP Cat6).
Avoid sharp bends or excessive stretching of the cable, as these can negatively affect performance.
Managing Running Processes
Numerous applications actively utilize your internet connection for data transfer, status checks, and updates. A Firewall allows you to control which programs have access to the internet and consume your bandwidth.
For Windows 7 users, this article provides guidance on enhanced Firewall management: Manage The Windows Firewall Better With Windows 7 Firewall Control.
Adjusting Reservable Bandwidth
By default, Windows reserves a portion of your bandwidth – typically 20% – for automatic updates. This allocation can be reduced to prevent Windows processes from receiving preferential treatment.
Access this setting by entering GPEDIT.MSC in the Windows Vista or 7 Start menu, or in the Run dialog in Windows XP. Navigate to Computer Policy > Administrative Templates > Network > Qos Packet Scheduler and double-click Limit reservable bandwidth. Change the setting to Enabled and set the Bandwidth limit (%) to 0, then Apply and reboot your system.
Implementing Malware Protection
Regularly scan your computer for malware and ensure it hasn't been compromised. Worms can exploit your network for replication, significantly slowing down your internet speed.
Utilize up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware tools for proactive protection. Consider these essential security downloads: 7 Essential Security Downloads You MUST Have Installed, or explore alternative tools on our Best Of Windows Software page.
Further Resources
For additional insights and techniques to accelerate your internet connection, explore these resources:
- Top 5 Vista Tweaks to Increase Internet Speed by Ryan
- Autobahn Accelerator - Faster Streaming Video and Downloads for Free? by Ryan
- Faster Internet & Anonymous Net Surfing Through Toonel by Jeffry
- Answers: How can I use my full internet bandwidth?
- Answers: Why does my internet slow down all of a sudden?
- Answers: How can I speed up my wireless internet?
What is your current internet speed? Did any of these suggestions demonstrably improve your connection performance? Are there any other factors or techniques you believe could have a substantial impact? Please share your feedback in the comments below.
Image credits: Serp, olly
