How to Run an Internet Speed Test
An accurate speed report for core internet package speeds should always be performed on an updated device via a hardline connection to the main router or access point.
Outdated devices (IE: Older Desktops and Laptops) may have components that limit the bandwidth available; skewing the results of your internet speed test. Consult with your local IT professional to find out if your device can perform an accurate speed test.
It is also recommended to power-down or unlink as many devices as possible from your network prior to performing a test for your core internet package speeds. This will ensure accuracy as well.
How to Improve Your Internet Speed
Call your internet provider to have your signal tested. Whether it’s P2P Wireless, Cable, or Fiber-Optics, there are always common and uncommon issues with internet services. From pasta noodle internal home wiring and splitters to bad fiber splicing causing light waves to burn out core headend equipment, no network or service provider knows what 100% uptime feels like. Have an official technician, preferably an in-house employee, come do a home inspection and check your signals outside as well. You may identify a bad line, and have incredible speed tests after some light construction work.
Stay up-to-date on new products and services set forth by your current internet provider. The internet landscape has come a long way from phone lines to fiber-optics, and equipment continues to advance at a screaming rate. Communicating with your provider will allow you to determine if additional bandwidth and data speeds are available, or if you may need to shop other available providers.
Upgrade your wireless network! Wi-fi technology has been putting out newer, faster, more efficient frequencies and equipment for quite some time. Once again, speak with your internet provider to see if your current wireless network and equipment have been updated to either Wifi-6 or Wifi-6e (Best as of 2022). If your provider does not have this equipment available, ask for a current list of supported retail network devices. You may be able to stop paying pesky monthly equipment rental fees, and actually own your own home’s network!
Depending on where you live within the United States, there are also hundreds of viable cable and fiber internet providers outside of corporations like Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, etc…. Speak with an official sales person and have an engineer survey your property, township, or region for upgraded network infrastructure. Fiber-optic internet can support up to 10GBPS download speeds, and multi-gig upload speeds as well. Couple fiber’s superior quality with its durability and ease of installation, and it become very easy to understand how fiber-optic communities are increasing in value.
Running a Wireless Speed Test
Tests can be run on individual devices via their wireless (Wifi) connections as well. As stated above, please make sure that your wireless device is up-to-date for the best and most accurate wireless/mobile speed test results.
Top-range Dual-Band Wifi-5 speeds are normally somewhere between 350mbps – 550mbps. Wifi-6 devices on corresponding Wifi-6 wireless networks are capable of up to 1GBPS and beyond. These averages are stated as of Summer of 2022.
