February 5, 2023 — Businesses and homes can consume a lot of bandwidth. When everything from smartphones to desktop computers to teleconferencing to smart systems (such as HVAC) relies on your Internet connection, you want to ensure your connection is performing at its best.
Fortunately, speed tests provide a quick, easy and useful look at the strength of the signal coming from your modem to your devices. Speed tests are free to run and typically measure three key elements: upload speed, download speed and latency (which is how long it takes a data packet to move from place to place).
There are multiple free speed testing websites, but we recommend SpeedTest.net.
The site makes it easy to run a test in seconds. Here are six steps to follow for the most accurate results with do-it-yourself speed testing.
- Connect directly to the modem. It’s best to connect the computer you’re testing on directly to the modem via an ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi. If that’s not possible, place the device as close to the router as possible.
- Restart devices and modems. We recommend unplugging your modem or router or modem/router combo for 20 seconds or so and then restarting it. Also restart the computer or device that you’ll be using for the speed test. (And don’t open any windows or apps after the device is turned back on.)
- Disconnect all network connections. For optimal results, disconnect all network connections since they all eat up some bandwidth. Check your networking tabs on your computer to do this. You might be surprised by how many connections there are, especially in businesses with smart systems such as HVAC, and even the office refrigerator.
- Empty the browser cache. Clearing the browser cache on your testing device eliminates files that can slow down the test.
- Choose the server nearest you. The speed test will use your IP address to automatically do that for you, but that location might not be that close at all, especially in small towns and rural areas. Fortunately, speed tests often let you change the server. Choose the one closest to you for a more accurate result.
- Test several times. Testing on different days and at different times of the day will give you a better picture of how your connection is working as Internet network traffic volume fluctuates.
Read our companion blog to learn more about how to understand your speed test results.
If you see speeds that are significantly lower than what you’re paying for, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you as a resource! With a Fiber connection from Clearwave Fiber, you should always have the speed you need to keep your business or home running with ease. We want to be your Internet provider of choice. We’re proud to keep our community’s homes and businesses connected!
To learn more about Fiber Internet for your business, visit this page.
If you’re interested in fast Fiber Internet services for your home, click here.
