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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Test your internet speed often to keep your network running smoothly.
- Speed tests reveal issues with download, upload, latency, and jitter.
- Know what your speed results mean, and what to do if they’re not great.
Do you know what your internet speed is? Are you getting the service your ISP (internet service provider) promised when you signed that contract? Or are you dealing with slow internet?
These might seem like simple questions, but they’re important ones. Internet speeds affect nearly everything you do online: how smoothly your video calls run, how responsive your video games feel, and whether you can stream the latest season of “Stranger Things” without buffering. Understanding how your connection works is crucial in troubleshooting internet problems.
Also: Slow internet at home? 3 things I always inspect first to get faster Wi-Fi speeds
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to accurately test your home internet using Speedtest by Ookla, a highly trusted tool. I’ll instruct you on how to prepare for an accurate test, interpret those results, and what steps you should take to improve your home network.
Key terms to know
There are other options out there. Google has its own speed test accessible through Search. Cloudflare also offers its own tool, which provides advanced data, and your ISP likely has its own, as well. However, Ookla is still the best in my eyes. It’s highly reliable and more user-friendly, although it is littered with ads, as seen in the image above.
Understanding your results
I’ve spent nearly a decade writing about software and consumer tech, testing many PCs, laptops, routers, and home network setups along the way. In that time, I’ve learned how home internet networks operate, why speeds fluctuate, and what people can do to fix shoddy connections.
Also: What does an orange USB port mean? I found out the surprising truth about all the colors
Much of the advice here comes from hands-on experiences. I’ve dealt with spotty Wi-Fi more times than I can count. The steps here reflect the same troubleshooting processes that I use in my own home. There are arguably more advanced methods that you can research, but this list consists of super-easy solutions anyone can follow.
Another thing: keep in mind that these aren’t rigid rules. Think of them as a foundation you can build upon based on your setup and needs.
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