Factors that can affect your results
Speed reaching an individual device
It’s important to note the difference between Internet speed to your business and what reaches an individual device — like a switch or computer — at your business. Our test measures the speed to a device. Sometimes, these results are lower than the Internet plan speed because of factors we can’t control, like WiFi conditions and device capabilities.
Connection type
WiFi can be slower than a wired connection. Using an Ethernet cable to connect your laptop or desktop can increase your speeds. For speed tests over 100 Mbps, at a minimum, a Category 6 cable (Cat 6) cable is appropriate for more accurate results.
Router placement
Ensure your gateway, wireless router, or access point is in an open, central location. Avoid areas such as file cabinets, closets, and spots that may get covered.
Device limitations
Different devices can handle speed differently depending on the type of device, make, model, and age. The number of devices simultaneously on your network can also affect speed.
Older versions of browsers and operating systems
For the best results, be sure you’re using updated versions of browsers and operating systems.
Open programs and overhead reducing data throughput
Running apps and programs, as well as in-progress downloads, can affect your test results. Plus, every packet sent by your LAN has overhead – the data used to direct the packet to the right destination. Speed tests measure the data that comes through, not the overhead.
Understanding your Internet connection speed
Here’s what those numbers mean.
Upload speed
This is a measure of how quickly your device sends data back up to the Internet, also in Mbps.
Host
It’s a main computer or device connected to the Internet providing services to other computers or devices.
IPv6 vs. IPv4
IPv6 is the Internet address standard used for sending data back and forth over the Internet.
Latency
This is the time it takes data to travel between your device and the host, expressed in milliseconds.
Download speed
This number is a measure of how quickly your device gets data from the Internet. It’s expressed in megabits per second — Mbps.
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