- A broadband speed test measures the performance of your Internet connection, including download and upload speeds, and latency (ping).
- Results can be influenced by factors such as network congestion, hardware, and the distance from the test server.
- Learn how a broadband speed test can diagnose your Internet issues
Speed tests offer a simple way to assess how fast your Internet connection is performing in real-time. While an Internet service provider will often advertise speeds of "up to" a certain amount under ideal conditions, a speed test provides a more accurate reflection of your actual experience, highlighting whether your connection is performing as expected - or slower than it should be.
What exactly is a speed test?
An Internet speed test is a tool that measures your connection’s current performance, including download and upload speeds, as well as latency (or ping).
Your connection speed can be affected by various factors, such as the specific Internet plan you’re on, network congestion in your area, and any throttling policies imposed by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). These factors can all impact the actual speed you experience compared to the theoretical maximum advertised.
One key thing to note is the common use of the phrase "up to" in ISP marketing. This allows providers some leeway when it comes to the speeds they promise.
For example, if an ISP advertises speeds of "up to 30Mbps" and you consistently get 28Mbps, they’re technically meeting their promise. However, if you’re regularly getting much lower speeds - say, 10Mbps - then the service isn’t living up to expectations, and it’s time to contact your ISP to investigate why you’re not getting the speeds you’re paying for.
How a speed test works
When you run a speed test, several processes take place to measure the performance of your Internet connection. The first step is that the test client identifies your location and selects the closest server to your device.
The proximity of this server is crucial, as a server located nearer to you generally provides the most accurate results. Many popular speed testing platforms, such as Ookla’s Speedtest.net, allow users to manually choose or change the test server if desired.
Once the test server is selected, the speed test initiates a simple process known as a "ping." A ping is a small packet of data sent from your device to the test server, which then sends a response back. The test measures the time it takes for this roundtrip, typically displayed in milliseconds (ms). This is often referred to as the "ping time" or latency, and it reflects how quickly your device can communicate with the server.
As well as measuring latency, the speed test will assess both your download and upload speeds. Download speed refers to how quickly data can be transferred from the Internet to your device, while upload speed measures the speed at which data can be sent from your device to the Internet. These speeds are usually presented in megabits per second (Mbps), with higher values indicating faster connections.
The accuracy of a speed test can depend on a variety of factors, including network congestion, the quality of your connection, and the capacity of the test server itself.
Are speed tests accurate?
Speed tests may seem like an easy way to check your Internet connection, but they can be more complicated than they first appear. One of the main factors affecting the accuracy of a speed test is the choice of server.
Ideally, the test should be done with a server that's close to you - perhaps even in the same city. The closer the server, the faster the data can travel, which usually gives more accurate results. This is why services like Netflix use content delivery networks (CDNs) to place their data closer to users for better performance.
However, many speed tests use servers that are far away, sometimes across the country or even in another part of the world. This can cause the test to show higher speeds than you would get when downloading files from distant servers.
For example, while your speed test might show fast results, downloading a program from a faraway server might be much slower in reality. So, the speed test might not always reflect your real-world Internet speed.
Does your Internet plan offer the best speed?
Not all Internet plans are created equal, and the speed they promise may not always match up with what you actually experience. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to upgrade or switch providers, this is the perfect place to start. Some of the most popular plans on offer at Compare Broadband are listed below:
Switch to a better speed with Compare Broadband
If you're ready to upgrade your current plan to something faster, the best thing that you can do is call the Aussie-based experts at Compare Broadband. We've got the intel you need on plans across a range of providers who can offer you the speeds you need.
Whether you're gaming for fun, working from home or you need speeds that match your budget, let our team help by calling 1300 764 000.
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