Broadband Speed Test

What this test measures

The test measures three things against a real measurement server: download throughput, upload throughput and round-trip latency. Together they describe capacity in each direction and how responsive the connection feels.

Download is what most plans advertise. Upload is what breaks first on cable and DSL, because those technologies allocate most of their spectrum downstream. Latency is what determines whether calls and games feel smooth.

Wired versus WiFi testing

Test over an Ethernet cable when you want to know what your provider delivers. Test over WiFi when you want to know what your devices experience. The gap between the two results is your wireless loss, and it is often the whole explanation for a disappointing number.

If the wired result matches your plan and WiFi does not, no provider call is needed — the work is in the home network.

What to expect from your connection type

Testing methodology that produces comparable results

• Use Ethernet, or sit next to the router if you must use WiFi.
• Pause streaming, backups and game updates on every device first.
• Run three tests and take the median rather than the best run.
• Repeat at a quiet hour and at evening peak to expose congestion.
• Record the date, time and connection method with each result.
• Test at the router itself when you need to exclude your own equipment entirely.

If your result falls short

• Confirm the plan speed you actually pay for, not the marketing tier.
• Reseat cables and check the negotiated port speed on the router and the device.
• Restart the modem and router once, then leave them alone.
• Measure latency while the line is loaded — poor responsiveness with good throughput is a queueing problem, not a capacity problem.
• Collect timestamped evidence before contacting support, and mention that you tested over Ethernet.