Computer Tip of the Day: Speedtesting

You subscribe to internet service by way of an Internet Service Provider (ISP).  And you subscribe for a specific connection speed.  Most of the time, you're actual connection speed may in fact be a little less than what you are paying for and this is to be expected.  A lot of things play in this factor, line quality that the connection runs in on, your networking hardware, and even computer hardware can all screw with your connection speed (the later two will affect your experience more than your raw speed).

So how do we double check to make sure our ISP is honest, and we are getting the closest speeds possible?  For example, you don't want to pay your ISP for a 6MB downstream connection and end up only getting a 1MB downstream connection do you?  One great way to check (and it's free too), is by using Speedtest.net.

All you need to do is visit their site, and click the large 'Begin Test' button.  And wait for the test to run.  In the results it will tell you what your ping, and upstream and downstream bandwidth speeds are.

Now keep in mind, you rarely get the full speed you are paying for with most ISP's.  They typically sell the bandwidth speeds with a 'Up to:' fine print attached to their sales pitch.  But do note, if the speed you are clocking in at is drastically lower than what you are paying for, than you may want to call your ISP and have a chat with them (after you make sure it's not something on your end).  You can double check your hardware by bypassing any routers or switches you have between your computer and your modem and hook straight into the modem.  If your modem was purchased through your ISP, than they should be able to assist you with modem diagnostics.

Happy surfing!