What is My Internet Speed?

The question "what is my internet speed?" is probably idiomatic for all internet users. Given that the wide web is getting wider by the day (we dare not think how fares the deep web!), it is, perhaps, understandable. Even more so if we take into account all the choices an everyday Internet user must make before hand as to be able to achieve a stress-free, customized virtual life.

Compare broadband providers now.

Well, as for the answer to this question, we can help a good deal, or so we like to think. Allow us to let you in on the factors that will help you delight in the best Internet experience there is... forever!

Broadband Type and My Internet Speed

How do I keep my Internet speed at its optimum? This would, naturally, be the second question. As we all know, congestions can sometimes be troublesome (to say the least), but there indeed are certain tricks to avoiding them.

As stated above, picking the best broadband type will spare you loads of trouble in the long run, but in order to do it, you must first think about your requirements. The thing to ask yourself here is: what do I need the Internet for? Once you know the answer, time to move on to available options. Keep an eye on internet speed, as here you will get to learn how to convert your online desires to the requirements that will allow you to enjoy them.

First for broadband types. The most widely used ones are DSL, Wi-Fi, and cable.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) transmits data via telephone lines. ADSL and SDSL are the two most common types. ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) is characterised by faster download and slower upload rates. That's what "asymmetrical" in the name stands for. Download rates are 640 Mbps + and upload rates - 1.544 Mbps and below . SDSL (Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) is characterised by equal download and upload rates. That's what "symmetrical" stands for. The rates: 72 Kbps +; most commonly 1 or 1.5 Mbps.

Wi-Fi transmits data via a radio link. Wi-Fi can be mobile or fixed, but available options are best double-checked with the ISP, as these vary depending on the location.

Cable modem transmits data via the cables used by your TV set. Transmission rates: 1.5 Mbps and up.

Satellite is commonly used in remote areas for lack of other options.

Pro Tip 1: Pinpointing the best broadband type does oft get tricky. To simplify the riddle, consider these three things: the number of users and/or devices that will be using the network, your desired online activity (see below), and technology to be used. E.g., if you need a network for multiple users, getting a dual-band router is an absolute must.

How to Test My Speed Properly?

And there you go, all happy-go-lucky after having picked the best broadband type for you. Having signed the agreement with your IPS, you are ready to start enjoying the wide web - to the absolute fullest! Then it hits you: how do I test my speed?

Easy peasy. Simply choose any speed test service (and we mean any; there are many of those around!) and hit "Go". Well then, what you will get is info on your download and upload speed and ping. In some cases, speed test services can provide additional metrics, but let us stick to the basics for now.

Download and upload speed is expressed in megabits per second (Mbps) and ping - in milliseconds (ms). One Mbps is an eight of a MB (megabyte), which is to say it takes it 8 seconds to transfer a 1MB file. Do some calculation and you will get the idea how fast your download and upload rates truly are. Ping measures latency in a network and should be as low as it can get.

Pro Tip 2: Mbps are also used for measuring bandwidth. Better not confuse bandwidth with your download speed, as online speed tests assume only one device is using the network at the time the test is being performed. The remaining online devices' speed would make up for the actual bandwidth. So, as you can see, the question "what is my internet speed" does get tricky from time to time.

Pro Tip 3: When attempting a speed test, make sure to do the following:

1. Use a wired connection. Wireless networks are prone to interferences;
2. Stop all downloads (stop, not pause);
3. Close all programs using the network;

If you are following, you already know that you should perform a check only when a single device is using it.

Pro Tip 4: If your result is still considerably lower after respecting all the steps mentioned, restart the router/modem, whichever you're using, and attempt the test again. If the result is unsatisfactory again, recall the fine print of your agreement with the ISP (where it is clearly stated that you are guaranteed up to the maximum speed) and them call the provider.

It is worth introducing another technical term here. It's called bandwidth throttling and refers to the rare occasions when the ISP reserves the right to limit certain types of traffic or, in some cases, even all traffic. This radical measure is attempted only when there is a high risk of congestion.

ADSL users should also keep in mind that, rarely as it may be, telephone lines can also get damaged. Your adsl speed will go down the drain, as your Internet is, needless to say, dependent on landline infrastructure.

Finally, multiple user networks without a dual-band router (or a Wi-Fi network adapter) truly do need to reconsider. Statistics show that almost everyone wants to stream something from time to time, and that can pose a huge problem should all users decide to do it at once.

Allow US to Reiterate: What is My Internet Speed?

As we all know, "the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything is 42", but our limited brain capacity just might hinder us in understanding the answer to the somewhat less ultimate yet highly recurrent question " what is my Internet speed?"

If you keep in mind everything that we have stated so far, you will no doubt understand that this riddle has many variables. And these keep multiplying as time goes on. Therefore, adjusting the approach a bit just might be sensible. Instead of worrying over the factors you cannot affect, simply make sure to do all in your power to avoid interference and go from there.

Oh, and one more thing. If you are a Win10 user the latter just might not be sufficient. You see, the OS uses the infamous WUDO (Windows Update Delivery Optimization) known for slowing the connection down. Namely, WUDO uses p2p sharing as to step up software updates. Fast as they might be, that still won't help you stream that video while other Win10 users are helping yourself to your computer. Better turn off WUDO, then, and here is how to do it:

Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update -> Advanced Options -> Choose how updates are delivered -> Updates from more than one place -> Off

And... that's all folks! Happy surfing!

Compare broadband providers now.