What is Internet Speed?
Internet speed refers to the rate at which data is transferred over the Internet. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). The higher the number, the faster your internet speed. Your internet speed is determined by your internet service provider (ISP) and the plan you have subscribed to.
Factors Affecting Internet Speed
Several factors can affect your internet speed, including:
1. Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection. If you have high bandwidth, you can download or upload more data at once, resulting in faster internet speeds.
2. Network Congestion
Network congestion occurs when too many users are using the same internet connection, leading to slower internet speeds. This is a common issue in public places such as airports, cafes, and hotels.
3. Distance from the Server
The distance between your device and the server can also affect your internet speed. If you are far away from the server, it can take longer for the data to travel back and forth, resulting in slower internet speeds.
4. Hardware and Software
Outdated hardware and software can also affect your internet speed. If your modem, router, or device is outdated, it may not be able to handle the maximum internet speed that you are paying for.
How to Test Your Internet Speed
To test your internet speed on SpeedtestGo, go to the top of this page and click on the “Go” or “Start” button. The website will then measure your internet speed and provide you with the results.
How to read an Internet speed test
Download speed refers to the time it takes to retrieve data from the Internet and is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). It indicates how quickly you can access web pages, download files, stream videos, and so on.
A good download speed is at least 25Mbps if you regularly use Netflix, Zoom, and other popular apps.
Upload speed measures the time it takes to send data from your device to the Internet and is also measured in Mbps. It is relevant when you need to share files, upload videos, or engage in activities that involve transmitting data.
Upload speeds of 5Mbps or above are generally regarded as “good” when utilizing a wired connection on a single device.
Ping, or latency, measures the time it takes for a data packet to travel from your device to a server on the Internet and back. It is typically measured in milliseconds (ms). Ping is crucial for real-time applications, online gaming, and video conferencing since a lower ping indicates a faster response time.
If you get ping speeds under 20ms that is exceptional and is called a “low ping”. An acceptable average is between 50ms and 100ms. Ping speeds above 150ms are considered “high ping”.
Jitter is a term used to measure the variation or inconsistency of your ping speed. In other words, it measures how consistent your ping speed is. A good and acceptable jitter speed is below 30 ms
Frequently asked questions
Is upload supposed to be faster than download?
How does the speed test work?
The download speed test starts after the ping is completed. The client connects to the server several times and tries to retrieve a tiny amount of data. Two factors are calculated at this point: how long it took to grab the data fragment and how much of your network resources it used.
What is a good download and upload speed?
How can I get a higher download speed? (Tips)
2. Test your internet speed.
3. Upgrade internet speed.
4. Disable other devices connected to your router.
5. Disable apps that aren’t being used.
6. Download one file at a time.
7. Test or replace your modem or router.
8. Change the location of your router.
