“Ahhh, time to Netflix and…What, no internet connection??”
Having problems whilst trying to watch Netflix, or perhaps it’s just taking way too.long when simply trying to browse and search the internet? There’s also nothing worse than pages that just won’t load. In today’s times, we sort of just have the expectation that, hello it’s 2021, surely this should mean speedier internet for all? But not all internet providers and networks run on the same speed, and indeed there are a number of outside factors that may also have an effect on how efficiently your internet runs.
“Somebody help me!”
If you’ve reached breaking point and can no longer deal with internet speed issues such as pages becoming clunky and unresponsive – we’ve all experienced such woes at some point – it might be time to check your internet speed. Didn’t know such a thing was possible? It is ladies and gentlemen and it may just make your internet problems a whole lot easier.
Realistically 2020 saw a massive shift in the amount of daily online users especially as society has had to adapt to an online world. Over the past few months, if you’ve noticed that your internet does work, but it just runs okay, you’ve perhaps also considered changing internet providers – could this resolve the issue?
What many don’t realize is that it actually helps to know where your current internet situation stands i.e. your internet speed, as this ultimately affects the entire workings when doing anything online. Sounds daunting right? In fact, it’s incredibly easy to do and with one quick search on Google, you’re able to do the test yourself and gauge where you’re at.
Let’s take the US as an example, their average download speeds range from between 12 and 25 Mbps.
How is it measured?
How does it work? So the test will measure your internet speed by analyzing the amount of data that is actually able to move through your current internet connection. You will be able to tell what your speed it in Mbps. Let’s take the US as an example, their average download speeds range from between 12 and 25 Mbps. But is this a fast or slow download speed?
In a comparison, the FCC’s (Federal Communications Commission) standards when considering fast internet speeds are as follows: the downloads speed needs to be at least 25 Mbps and for uploads, and 3 Mbps. When completing your internet search you might notice a latency test also being performed. This measures how quickly your device gets a response from your server.
It’s valuable to know that when one is conducting an internet speed test, your browser’s IP address is shared with the platform, e.g. using Google they partner with M-Lab and both companies commit to keeping this data safe.
Taking the test
So one quick google search and Bob’s your uncle? Pretty much, and the entire process only takes about 30 seconds to complete. Basically, you’ll enter into your Google search bar ‘internet speed test’ and the search results will come.
At the top of the search results, you’ll find a box titled ‘Internet speed test’ and underneath a small blue box that says ‘Run Speed Test. You’ll click on this blue button and Google automatically runs the internet speed test for you.
A new pop-up window will appear with a speedometer-like measuring application that begins to test the upload and then the download speeds. Once measured, your results are displayed – all within the 30 seconds.
The entire process only takes about 30 seconds to complete.
How speed can be affected
Did you know the more devices that are being used at once, running all off of the same internet, the slower the speed will be, so keep this in mind. So what about Netflix? Have you noticed when watching anything on the online streaming platform, they usually play, even if you’ve got a terrible internet connection? That’s because they run their own speed test, FAST.com and it automatically runs downloads speed tests.
There are of course other factors that affect speed from your location/area to where you are standing in conjunction to the router – a simple google search will give you all the answers. Testing your Internet speed is not only a very quick process but it’s also helpful when wanting to compare internet providers. If your current provider hasn’t lived up to their promises of speedy internet connection days, you’ll now have the data to prove them otherwise.
If you’re happy with your internet speed in general, it’s always good to know where you’re at, even just to compare amongst friends out of interest sake.
Check your internet speed on your phone, watch to find out more…
