SPEED TESTING EXPLAINED
Online speed testing allows you to check the upload and download speed of your internet connection as well as your ping. This can be tested from any device on your Wi-Fi Network and uses a browser-based web page to prompt the test. To try this yourself, visit one of the speed testing websites listed below article and hit the test button. The site will then ping the selected servicer, and send a small data file to it, the website will then wait for a result file from the server. After a result is received, the speed testing site will send another small file and will repeat this process for up a minute.
The website will then display your current download and upload speeds in Mega Bits Per Second, over the minute it tests for, and then display your average download and upload speeds.
Most speed testing sites will also show a ping value in Milliseconds, and this is an indication of the time it took for the first byte of data to be sent to the server and returned to your device.
UNDERSTANDING SPEEDS
Speed testing is essential for ensuring that your internet connection is delivering the speeds you’re expecting. This involves measuring the data transfer rate between your device and nearest provider’s server. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand and accurately test your internet’s data transfer speed.
LAN TESTING – recommended
LAN stands for “local area network” and refers to using an ethernet cable plugged between the router / ONT and the device being used to test. This is preferred over Wi-Fi / wireless connections for testing for several reasons:
INTERFERENCE: Wi-Fi signals can be disrupted by other networks, electronic devices, and physical obstacles. Radio waves, which carry Wi-Fi signals, are susceptible to interference from various sources.
DISTANCE: The signal strength decreases with distance from the router, resulting in slower speeds as you move further away.
CONGESTION: Multiple devices using the same Wi-Fi network can cause congestion, leading to reduced speeds.
Testing on a LAN connection eliminates these variables, providing a more accurate measure of your fibre internet’s true capabilities.
To ensure proper testing, ensure all devices except the one doing the test is switched off or wifi switched off. If any other device is using the internet it will have an influence on the speed delivered to the device testing. If you have a 100mbps and your 1 device is using 35, the speedtest on the testing device will only show 65.
TYPES OF TESTS
When testing your fibre speed, consider the following things:
DOWNLOAD SPEED: Measures how quickly data is transferred from the internet to your device.
UPLOAD SPEED: Measures how quickly data is transferred from your device to the internet.
LATENCY: Measures the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back. Low latency is crucial for activities like online gaming and video conferencing.
DEVICE LIMITATIONS
If you have installed a fast internet connection some of your devices may not be able to test your internet connection to speeds beyond the devices maximum network speed, this means that even though the speed of your connection may be performing as intended your device is only able to test to a maximum speed of the hardware within the device.
Many modern devices including, gaming consoles, computers, and laptops only have network hardware capabilities of using up to 100 Mbps of data transfer speeds, this means even if your true speed is 800 Mbps, your device will only show 100Mbps on the speed test.
To ensure you are getting the true speed of your connection ensure that the device you are using to test has Network hardware that are capable performing at higher speeds than your connection speed.
For example, to get an accurate test of your connection at 800 Mbps you should test on a device capable of transferring data at least 1000 Mbps.
ACCURATE TESTING
You’re almost ready to start testing your connection speed to ensure you are getting the service you expect. Here a few more things you should be aware of before you get started.
Mega-Bits per second Vs Mega-Bytes Per second
Data transfer is measured in the unit Mbps (Mega Bits Per Second), while storage size on our devices is measured in MBps (Mega Bytes Per Second) confusing right. While these metrics sound very similar, they are measured completely differently. A handy way to understand the relationships this is measurement is that for every bit of data transferred will take up 1/8 of a Mega Byte of data on disk.
For example, if you are receiving 800 Mbps of download speed this should translate to around 100 MB of storage used on disk per second.
Here are a few more tips to ensure you test in the most accurate way possible.
FREE TESTING TOOLS
Click the buttons below to be directed to some of the most popular and widely used free speed test tools available.
Speedtest.net – https://www.speedtest.net/
Fast.com – https://fast.com/
TestMy.net https://testmy.net/
Troubleshooting Slower Than Expected Speeds If your Speedtest reveals slower speeds than expected:
- Revisit the tips from our previous posts to ensure a proper test setup.
- Check with Intense Fibre via WhatsApp (082 921 5839) to see if there are any known issues or maintenance in your area.
- Consider upgrading your plan or equipment if your current setup no longer meets your needs.
Reaching Out for Support If after following these steps, your internet speed still isn’t cutting it, don’t hesitate to contact Intense Fibre for assistance. Whether it’s optimizing your connection or exploring other solutions, we’re here to help.
Remember, your Speedtest results are a snapshot of your connection at a specific time. Regular testing under different conditions can provide a fuller picture of your internet performance.
Your online experience matters to us. With these insights and support from Intense Fibre, you’re well on your way to enjoying a faster, more reliable internet connection. Stay connected, stay fast, and make the most of your digital life.
