Testing your internet’s speed is a straightforward activity and it only takes a few minutes to know the exact speed of your connection. You do not have to download or install any software on your computer to test the speed of your internet. All you need is a computer with an active internet connection and an internet browser. However, there are some precautions that you need to take before testing the speed in order to ensure accurate results.
Avoid Interruptions
For optimal results, make sure that you use a wired connection. With Wi-Fi, it is possible to get interrupted and due to the fluctuations, you might not be able to get accurate results regarding the speed of the internet.
If your laptop does not have an Ethernet port, and you have to test the speed of your internet service over a Wi-Fi connection, make sure that you minimize the interference by disconnecting other devices for a while. In addition to this, the modem should not be placed near other electronics because signals get disrupted with other devices.
Halt Other Activities
Freeze all other activities for a while. For instance, if your computer is downloading some files, pause them for a moment and then run the speed test. Check the task manager and close all applications and windows in order to get authentic speed results.
How to Test the Speed of Your Internet Connection?
Ookla Speedtest is by far the most popular speed test available on the internet. Go to speedtest.net and check the uploading and downloading speed of your internet by clicking the green button that says, “Begin Test”. Make sure that you have Flash Player downloaded on your computer so that you can run the test successfully.
It is important to test the speed of your internet connection on a regular basis because you need to make sure that you are actually getting the speed, which your provider promised. For example, if you are paying $60 a month for a service that promises up to 200Mbps internet speed, but you are only getting 80Mbps, then you should contact your service provider and raise the issue so that they fix the problem as soon as possible.
How to Improve the Speed of Your Internet?
People often complain that they are not receiving the speed that was promised to them by their service providers. This might happen to you as well and if it does, you do not have to panic. There are a number of factors affecting the speed of your internet connection. If you are consistently facing this problem, try changing your service provider and avail the services of a provider that is more reliable. There are many deals and packages available in your area, for example, Spectrum Internet Plans. Here are some of the factors that might be affecting your internet connection:
Viruses
Viruses can disrupt your internet connection and cause it to slow down. In addition to this, modern viruses can damage the files stored in your computer and you might not be able to recover the affected data. Therefore, install anti-virus in your computer and make sure that you scan your files on a regular basis in order to detect and delete the viruses before they attack your precious data.
Multiple Connections
If your internet is connected to multiple devices, the speed is bound to slow down because the bandwidth is being divided. In addition to this, if you are using phone service on the same connection, you might face interruptions in your internet service. You should also check your internet for external interference because at times your neighbors are also using your internet. Change the password of your Wi-Fi on a regular basis in order to prevent others from accessing your internet connection.
Firmware Updates
Update your modem regularly so that it can install the latest drivers and speed up your internet connection. The latest versions are always better than the previous ones because they contain fixes of the bugs that were present in the previous version.
Conclusion
There are many other ways to improve the speed of your internet connection. You can also try switching your modem on and off so that it can reboot and flush out the problems affecting your speed. If you know about other ways of improving the speed of your internet, do mention them in the comment section.