How do I check if a device is getting correct internet speeds?
If you suspect that your connection is causing web services to run slow, one of the first things to check is the available bandwidth on your network.
If you suspect that a device on your network is causing network congestion, here are some steps you can take to address the issue:
- Choose a Speed Testing Website: There are several reliable speed testing websites available, such as Ookla's Speedtest or Fast.com. There's a link to Fast.com in our navigation menu under the support tab listed as "speed test". Visit one of these websites using a web browser on the device you want to test.
- Start the Test: On the speed testing website, click on the "Go" or "Start" button to initiate the speed test. The website will begin measuring your device's download and upload speeds.
- Wait for the Test to Complete: The speed test will typically take a few seconds to complete. During this time, the website will measure the data transfer speed between your device and the testing server.
- Review the Results: Once the speed test is finished, the website will display the results. Look for the download speed and upload speed values, usually measured in Mbps (megabits per second). These values indicate the rate at which data is being transmitted to and from your device.
- Compare with Expected Speeds: Compare the measured speeds with the internet plan you have subscribed to. If the measured speeds closely match the expected speeds, then your device is receiving the correct internet speeds. Keep in mind that your speed can be affected by network congestion or other external factors. A variation of up to 10% is normal.
- Troubleshooting Steps: If the measured speeds are significantly lower than the expected speeds, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure that no other devices on your network are consuming a large amount of bandwidth.
- Check for any network congestion or interference that may be affecting the speeds.
- Verify that your device's network adapter or Wi-Fi connection is functioning properly.
- Restart your modem and router to refresh the network connection.
Remember that internet speeds can vary due to several factors, including network congestion, distance from the router, and the quality of your internet service. It's also important to perform speed tests on multiple devices and at different times to get a more accurate picture of your network's performance.
By conducting regular speed tests, you can monitor the performance of your device's internet connection and take appropriate steps if there are any significant deviations from the expected speeds.
