Internet speed tests are a simple tool to determine the honesty of your internet service provider (ISP). Of course, there are other variables at work that could impact your internet speed. However, if you signed a contract for high-speed internet and frequently wait for videos and web pages to load, your ISP may not be delivering on its promises.
Megabytes per second (Mbps) is used to measure internet speed. A reasonable internet speed is between 10 Mbps and 20 Mbps. It’s crucial to pay attention to how an ISP describes its speeds when signing up with them. Most ISPs will make a speed guarantee of “up to… [a maximum speed]”.
So you might think you are paying for 10 Mbps but actually, you only get up to 10 Mbps. Although this is fairly standard language used by ISPs, if your internet speed frequently falls considerably short of the advertised speed, there is definitely a problem.
How do I run an internet speed test?
You can check your connection’s speed at any time using an internet speed test. You receive your download and upload speeds from a speed test in a matter of seconds. In your search engine, just type “internet speed test”. Any device with a web browser, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, can perform an internet speed test.
Your laptop or computer should be directly connected to your router via an ethernet cable for the most accurate results. Internet speeds through wireless connections are slower than those over a hardwired connection.
Are all internet speed tests the same?
While most internet speed tests provide the same kind of data, not all of them are accurate. The test results will be lower if the internet speed test uses a server that isn’t close to where you are. This is due to the fact that the data must travel much further to the server and back. A reliable internet speed test will automatically select a server that is nearest to you.
Why does my internet speed fluctuate?
Regular testing will identify any patterns if you are encountering speed fluctuations. Try different times of the day to test your internet speed. You are most likely using a contended line if you experience slower speeds during peak hours (such as evenings and weekends).
When more users are connected, slower speeds occur because contended lines are shared by several customers. This is a method for ISPs to cut costs and you should strongly consider switching to a more reliable provider with uncontended lines if this is the case.
Some ISPs will throttle your line in an attempt to cut costs. This means that your ISP will slow down your connection for the remainder of the month once you’ve used up a certain amount of data. Before signing a contract, be sure to read the fine print for this. No matter how much time you spend online during the month, you can count on having the same speeds from a provider like WonderNet.
We can’t always hold ISPs responsible for inconsistent speeds. If your internet speeds are often consistent but then abruptly decrease for a few days, there may be a more serious infrastructure issue at play. There are several subsea fibre optic cables in South Africa that link the country to fibre internet. Internet speeds may be impacted if one or more of these lines experiences a fault until technicians have a chance to look into and fix the problem.
How can I improve the speed of my internet?
Your actual internet speeds might be lower than what is advertised for a few reasons. The placement of your router is essential. To determine whether you get faster speeds from a new spot, try moving your router around your house or office.
Ensure that your device is within WiFi range by positioning it near enough to the router. Consider purchasing a WiFi extender if your signal has to pass through walls and go upstairs so that all areas of your home or office have a strong connection.
Running an antivirus or antimalware scan is another approach to improve internet speeds. When viruses or malware infect our devices, they can establish a hidden internet connection and consume bandwidth with background apps. Generally speaking, a healthy device operates at higher speeds than an infected one.
It might be time for an internet upgrade if your router and other connected devices are in good condition but you are still not satisfied with your internet speeds. We have significantly increased our data use, and every few years, households add one or two more devices. While a 10 Mbps line may have been sufficient a few years ago, it simply won’t be enough for most modern households.
What internet speed do I need?
What you use the internet for will determine the required speed. Depending on the number of documents they are uploading and downloading, a student conducting online research can get by with a connection speed of 5 to 25 Mbps.
A 40 Mbps line would be ideal for someone who takes their online games seriously. A connection speed of between 1 Mbps and 10 Mbps is required for an occasional internet user who only uses the internet to browse the web and check social media.
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