Running an internet speed test is a quick and easy way to note the performance of your internet. If it seems like your internet is slower than it should be, conducting a speed test is the quickest way to find out if something is wrong on your end or ours.
How is Internet Speed Measured?
Internet speed is typically measured in megabits per second, or “Mbps.” Basically, Mbps is a measurement of how quickly your internet connection allows you to download and upload data. If you are trying to download a file and your internet download speed is 100 Mbps, that means that you will (theoretically) be able to download 100 megabits of that file every second.
What’s the Difference Between Upload and Download?
When checking internet speeds in your home, there are actually two measurements to look at: Download speed and upload speed. Download speed measures how fast you can pull something from a separate server onto your device, and upload speed measures how fast you can send something to a server. Of the two, download speed is usually more important to the average user, as fast download speeds enable things like buffer-less streaming, lag-less gaming and high-quality video chat.
Why You Should Conduct a Speed Test
Conducting a speed test from a device connected to your home’s WIFI network is a good way to test the strength of the network in different parts of your home. Wireless connections are going to be stronger the closer your device is to the router.
Go to the rooms farthest from your router and run a speed test from a mobile device connected to your WIFI network. If the drop-off in speed is negligible no matter what room you’re in, you know your router is in a good location. But if the speed is dramatically inconsistent as you move further from the source of your WIFI, you may want to consider upgrading your router or setting up a WiFi range extender to service the parts of your home with a weak connection.
Source: www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-make-wi-fi-faster-in-your-home/
