...and what the results mean
We've all been there – you're streaming your favourite show on Netflix, and suddenly, you encounter buffering or lag. Or maybe you're in the middle of an online game, and it pauses at a key moment…dam! There goes a life!
Even if you're just browsing the internet, and pages load painfully slow, it can be incredibly frustrating.
Have you ever wondered if you're really getting the internet speed you're paying for? Many of us deal with slow internet, but there’s a quick and easy way to check your internet speed.
In this article, I'll explain how to test your internet speed, what the results mean, and I'll also answer some frequently asked questions. Read on!
How to test your internet speed
Testing your internet speed is easy and takes just a few minutes. Here’s how.Go to a speed testing website, such as this one Aussie telco Swoop: http://speed.swoopbroadband.com.au/
It doesn’t really matter what site you test your speed on. You could try Speedtest by Ookla, Google’s internet speed test, or Fast.com (by Netflix).
Click 'Go' or 'Start': On most speed test websites, you’ll see a large button labelled "Go" or "Start." Clicking it begins the test.
The speed test will now work its magic.
While you're waiting a few moments for the speed test to run, it's doing a few things in the background.
- It will measure your download speed, which is how fast data is sent to you
- It will measure your upload speed, which shows how fast you can send data out.
- It will also check your ping, which measures response time.
After gathering all this information, the test will provide you with the results.
Now that you have your speed reading, compare the speed shown against the speeds that your internet provider promises you.
Do you have slow internet?
Slow internet can be frustrating, especially if it interrupts your daily tasks like streaming, online gaming, or video calls. But what exactly is considered slow?A slow speed is typically anything below 25 megabits per second. With speeds lower than this, you'll likely experience buffering when watching videos, slow-loading webpages, and lag when streaming.
Next, check the speed promised by your internet service provider. If you're supposed to be on a 50 Mbps plan but your speed test shows only 20 or 15 Mbps, there’s clearly an issue, and you should contact your provider.
If your upload speed comes back at below 5 Mbps, this is definitely slow. This can cause issues when uploading files or during video calls.
If the speed test includes a ping measure, a high ping (above 100ms) is not good. This causes lag, which can affect gaming and video conferencing.
Common causes of slow internet
Besides contacting your internet service provider to troubleshoot slow internet, here are some other things to consider.- Too many devices. If many people or devices (phones, laptops, smart TVs) are using the internet at the same time, your connection may slow down.
- Router issues. A weak or outdated router might be slowing your connection.
- Network congestion. Internet speeds can drop during peak hours when many people in your area are online.
- Wi-Fi signal. If you’re too far from your Wi-Fi router, the signal may weaken.
How to fix slow internet
There may be a number of factors at play that result in slower internet. Here are a few points to run through.- Restart your modem and router. Sometimes, simply turning your modem or router off and on can solve connection issues.
- Remove potential interference. Ensure your router is in an open space, away from walls and other electronics that can disrupt the signal.
- Limit devices. Disconnect devices that aren’t in use, or pause big downloads and streaming if you’re experiencing slow speeds.
- Buy a new router. If your router is several years old, it probably isn’t working to its best ability. Go and buy a new router and see if that helps.
- Switch to a wired connection. Plugging your device directly into the modem with an Ethernet cable can give you faster, more stable speeds than Wi-Fi.
- Contact your internet provider. If none of these solutions work, there might be an issue with your internet provider. Contact them to ensure everything is functioning as it should be or ask about upgrading to a faster plan.
Here are some commonly asked questions about internet speed
What’s a good internet speed?A good download speed for most households is 25-50 Mbps. For larger households or heavy internet use (gaming, video conferencing, or multiple streams), aim for a speed plan of 100 Mbps or above.
For home business internet, you can choose from faster internet speeds starting from the 50 Mbps, the 100 Mbps, 250 Mbps, or the 500 Mbps nbn plans.
What’s ping?
Ping is the time it takes for a signal to go from your device to the internet and back. Low ping (below 50ms) is best for online gaming and video calls, while higher ping can cause lag.
Why is my internet speed slower than my plan’s advertised speed?
Advertised speeds are the maximum possible, not guaranteed. Factors like Wi-Fi strength, network congestion, typical evening speeds, and distance from the router can cause slower speeds.
How can I improve my Wi-Fi signal?
To improve your Wi-Fi signal, try these tips:
- Move your router to a central location
- Elevate it off the floor
- Keep it away from walls and electronic devices
- Add a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal in larger homes.
How often should I test my internet speed?
It’s a good idea to test your speed every few months, or whenever you notice a slowdown, to ensure you're getting the service you’re paying for.
Key points
- Testing your internet speed is quick, simple, and can give you a clear picture of your connection's performance.
- If you notice slow speeds, use the tips in this guide to troubleshoot the issue.
- Whether it’s adjusting your Wi-Fi setup, limiting devices, or upgrading your equipment, these small changes can make a big difference.
Author: Marshall Thurlow. Swoop started out as a provider of computer services and Fixed Wireless internet back in 1990. 25 years later, they have grown rapidly and are proud to have become one of the best Fixed Wireless Providers in Australia! Swoop now provides home nbn® and business nbn®, or over their very own Fixed Wireless network – that they build and service.