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How to Check Your Internet Speed and What It Means

Your internet speed determines how fast you can browse, stream, download, and work online. If your connection feels slow, running a speed test can help diagnose the issue and improve performance. Here’s how to check your internet speed, understand the results, and optimize your connection.

🚀 Brought to you by Axio Networks, an award-winning managed IT provider in Scottsdale, Arizona. We help businesses and individuals maintain fast, reliable, and secure internet connections.

📌 How to Check Your Internet Speed

✔ Step 1: Go to a reliable speed test website:

✔ Step 2: Click “Start” or “Go” to begin the test.
✔ Step 3: Wait a few seconds for the results to display your download speed, upload speed, and ping.
✔ Step 4: Compare the results with your internet provider’s promised speeds.

✅ For the most accurate results, test with a wired (Ethernet) connection and repeat the test at different times of the day!

📌 What Do Your Speed Test Results Mean?

Your speed test will display three key metrics:

1. Download Speed (Measured in Mbps)

✔ How fast your device receives data from the internet.
✔ Affects streaming, web browsing, downloading files, and video calls.

Recommended Speeds:

  • 5–10 Mbps → Light browsing, emails
  • 25 Mbps → HD streaming, remote work
  • 50+ Mbps → 4K streaming, large downloads
  • 100+ Mbps → Gaming, multiple users, fast work applications

✅ Faster download speeds mean smoother streaming and quicker file downloads.

2. Upload Speed (Measured in Mbps)

✔ How fast your device sends data to the internet.
✔ Affects video calls, cloud backups, and file uploads.

Recommended Speeds:

  • 1–3 Mbps → Basic video calls
  • 5–10 Mbps → HD video conferencing (Zoom, Teams)
  • 10+ Mbps → Large file uploads, cloud backups

✅ Faster upload speeds improve video calls and sending large files.

3. Ping (Latency) – Measured in Milliseconds (ms)

✔ The time it takes for data to travel between your device and the server.
✔ Affects gaming, VoIP calls, and live streaming.

Ping Performance:

  • 0–20ms → Excellent (Ideal for gaming, video calls)
  • 20–50ms → Good (Smooth experience)
  • 50–100ms → Average (Possible delays)
  • 100+ ms → Slow (Noticeable lag)

✅ Lower ping = better responsiveness, especially for online gaming and calls.

📌 Why Is My Internet Speed Slower Than Expected?

🚨 Common reasons for slow internet:

🔹 Network Congestion – Too many devices streaming, gaming, or downloading at once.
🔹 Weak Wi-Fi Signal – Router too far away or blocked by walls.
🔹 Old or Outdated Router – Older routers may not support high speeds.
🔹 ISP Throttling – Some providers slow speeds during peak hours.
🔹 Background Apps Using Bandwidth – Cloud backups, software updates, and hidden apps consuming data.

✅ Check your speed at different times of the day to see if your ISP is throttling speeds!

📌 How to Improve Your Internet Speed

✔ Restart Your Router – Power cycle your modem and router to refresh the connection.
✔ Use a Wired Connection – Ethernet is faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.
✔ Optimize Your Wi-Fi – Move the router to a central location and switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi for better speeds.
✔ Limit Background Usage – Pause cloud backups, software updates, or streaming on unused devices.
✔ Upgrade Your Internet Plan – If speeds don’t meet your needs, consider an upgrade.

✅ A few small changes can make a big difference in speed and stability!

💡 Axio Networks Pro Tip

For business users, implementing enterprise-grade routers, network monitoring, and Quality of Service (QoS) settings ensures consistent high-speed internet for employees and remote workers. Need expert IT solutions? Axio Networks provides managed networking services—contact us today! 🚀