How to Check Your Internet Speed and What the Results Mean
Why Test Your Internet Speed?
Knowing your internet speed helps you:
- Determine if slow performance is your internet or something else
- Check if you are getting what you pay for from your provider
- Troubleshoot video call quality issues
- Understand if your connection can handle cloud applications
- Provide useful information when contacting IT support
How to Run a Speed Test
Using Speedtest by Ookla
- Go to speedtest.net in your browser
- Click the large Go button
- Wait about 30 seconds for the test to complete
- Note your results
Using Fast.com
- Go to fast.com in your browser
- The test starts automatically
- Wait for the download speed to appear
- Click Show more info for upload speed and latency
Tips for Accurate Results
- Close other applications using the internet (especially video streaming)
- Use a wired connection if possible (WiFi can reduce speeds)
- Test at different times of day (speeds vary with network congestion)
- Run 2-3 tests and average the results
Understanding Your Results
Download Speed
This measures how fast data comes TO your computer. Affects:
- Loading websites and emails
- Downloading files and attachments
- Streaming video calls (receiving)
- Using cloud applications
- Under 10 Mbps: Struggles with video calls and cloud apps
- 10-25 Mbps: Adequate for basic business use (1-2 users)
- 25-50 Mbps: Good for small teams with regular video calls
- 50-100 Mbps: Comfortable for 5-10 users with heavy cloud use
- 100+ Mbps: Excellent for larger offices or data-heavy work
Upload Speed
This measures how fast data goes FROM your computer. Affects:
- Sending emails with attachments
- Uploading files to cloud storage
- Video calls (your video quality to others)
- Backing up data
- Under 5 Mbps: Video call quality may suffer
- 5-10 Mbps: Adequate for most business tasks
- 10-20 Mbps: Good for regular video conferencing
- 20+ Mbps: Excellent for uploading large files
Ping (Latency)
This measures delay in milliseconds (ms). Lower is better. Affects:
- Video call responsiveness
- VoIP phone call quality
- Remote desktop responsiveness
- Real-time applications
- Under 20ms: Excellent, no noticeable delay
- 20-50ms: Good for most business applications
- 50-100ms: Acceptable but may notice slight delays on calls
- Over 100ms: May experience lag on video calls and VoIP
Jitter
Variation in ping time. High jitter causes:
- Choppy video calls
- Audio cutting in and out
- Inconsistent performance
What Speeds Do You Need?
For Different Activities
| Activity | Minimum Download | Recommended | |----------|-----------------|-------------| | Email and browsing | 5 Mbps | 10 Mbps | | Video calls (1 person) | 5 Mbps | 15 Mbps | | Video calls (multiple) | 15 Mbps | 25 Mbps | | Cloud applications | 10 Mbps | 25 Mbps | | Large file transfers | 25 Mbps | 50+ Mbps |
Per Person Rule of Thumb
For a shared office connection, estimate 10-15 Mbps per person for comfortable business use with cloud applications and occasional video calls.
Troubleshooting Slow Speeds
If Speeds Are Lower Than Expected
- Restart your modem/router - unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in
- Test with a cable - WiFi loses significant speed
- Check who else is using the connection - downloads or streaming affect everyone
- Test at different times - peak hours may be slower
- Check your plan - confirm what speeds you are paying for
If Speeds Match Your Plan But Feel Slow
- Your plan may not be sufficient for your needs
- Consider upgrading your internet plan
- Check if multiple devices are consuming bandwidth
WiFi vs Wired Comparison
Run tests on both WiFi and wired (Ethernet cable) connections:
- If wired is much faster, the issue is WiFi signal or interference
- If both are slow, the issue is your internet connection
Recording Results for IT Support
When reporting internet issues, provide:
- Download speed (Mbps)
- Upload speed (Mbps)
- Ping/latency (ms)
- Time of test
- Whether you tested on WiFi or wired
- What internet plan you pay for
Need Help?
For internet troubleshooting or advice on business internet solutions, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.
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