5 tips to get accurate results when testing internet speed
When you start noticing your internet speed suddenly dropping for no apparent reason, the best way to always tell if you're really having a problem is to run a speed test. This is easy to do, there are a lot of online speed testing services that work from any web browser such as Speedtest.net, Speakeasy, and others that will show you how fast your Internet connection is in terms of response, download, and upload, giving you an idea about the quality of the connection.
Unfortunately, the results you get are sometimes not accurate because the method used by the service to test is poor, but a large percentage is also due to your lack of attention to some details before taking this test. Your internet speed may be high, but the test shows you that it is slow due to doing the common mistakes that we will highlight in this article.
First: Restart the computer (or phone) before the test
As you know, your internet speed can be tested on any device directly through a web browser. Whether you're using a computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, whatever, you should always restart that device first. Since devices that haven't been restarted in a long time have stored processes running in the background which is likely to have a significant impact on internet speed test performance. In particular, the rate of ping.
Therefore, restart your computer and do not run any other programs or applications before the test. It's also a good idea to monitor apps that are set to run with startup (such as cloud storage software, for example, where you need to work automatically to sync data) and temporarily disable your antivirus software until testing is finished.
Second, don't use the Internet for anything else.
Do not use the Internet while testing it: This advice is well known and is taken into account by some. Obviously, this means that you should not have dozens of windows open on the computer or a lot of applications running in the background (if you use a smartphone) that consume a large amount of internet. Also, make sure to stop any downloads from the Internet, or wireless network sharings.
Side by side, check that the music streaming service is closed, stop downloading operating system updates or wait for them to finish, stop streaming videos on Netflix, etc. This is in case you are only a single user of the Internet at home. But if there are multiple connected devices on the same network, you may need to temporarily disconnect Wi-Fi from them to get the most accurate results when testing your internet speed.
Third: Do not perform the test in the wrong place
Performing an internet speed test in the wrong place will have a significant impact on the results. But what is the right place? This depends on what you're looking to know. For example, if you just want to know your internet speed, run the test through a device very close to the router. In other words, do this in the same room that contains the router and is free of any physical obstructions to block the signal.
If you're testing to try to find the best place to place your router inside your home, run the test in each room, and then compare the results. You will then discover rooms that are difficult to signal. But if you aim to identify poorly covered places in the house, take the test in these places and compare the result with one that was performed in ideal conditions. If this confirms a problem, you can then take steps to extend your wireless network coverage.
Fourth: Do not use the wrong tool to test the speed of the Internet
When you want to test your internet speed, the first question we always ask is: What is the best speed test service to use? Some ISPs offer their own tools to do this, so if the subscriber already offers a speed test tool, that's the one you should use.
If you want to check that your internet speed is enough to stream videos online, try Netflix's Fast.com tool; it's very simple and connects directly to Netflix servers, which means it gives accurate results.
As for the other options, try choosing a service based on HTML5 instead of the old Adobe Flash because the way it uses is far from reality. SpeedOf.Me, Speedtest.net and TestMy.net services are excellent for HTML5-based internet speed testing, and we have used them many times and are happy to recommend them.
Instead, abandon browser-based testing services and use dedicated software to do so. A Speedtest.net service that offers its own software that is available on both Windows and Mac and works better than using the site on the browser.
Fifth: Turn off the VPN before taking the test
Finally, make sure to disable or disable the VPN or proxy service or any application that lowers the rate of Internet consumption, anything general that mediates your device's internet hotspot. These things often slow down the speed of your internet connection, so it's important not to use them while testing your internet speed in order to get accurate results.
Reducing the negative factors on the Internet during a speed test – which the above many tips help to do – certainly contributes to more accurate results. However, always keep in mind that all you get with an internet speed test is how efficient your current connection between your computer and the server that the test service relies on. While this is great and will give you a general idea of how fast (or slow) your internet connection is, that doesn't necessarily mean that this is the speed you should always expect at all times.