This last tip can vary depending on the test you are using. Plus the time of day information is valuable to your provider if you do see discrepancies and can help them troubleshoot issues on their network. Don’t count on just one test: Conducting multiple tests at different times of the day and the week and averaging the results is a good idea.If you are unsure how to clear your cache, check out this guide on Lifewire. When a speed test sends data packets, it can often leave chunky files behind on your browser that, in turn, can slow it down. Clear Your Browser Cache: Lastly, make sure to clean your browser cache before you start a test, especially if you plan on running multiple tests.With a Mac, you will need to go to your Activity Monitor and look under “Network.” On a PC, you can ensure this by checking your Task Manager (hit control + alt + delete) and opening the “Networking” tab. This goes double for any updates or downloads that might be happening behind the scenes. Unnecessary Applications: As we mentioned before, you want to make sure nothing is using additional bandwidth on the device you are using for your speed test.So, even when idle, extra devices are eating up your bandwidth. Your router is designed to disperse your bandwidth overall speed across multiple devices. Internet-Enabled Devices: For the best results, disconnect and power off any additional Internet-connected devices (cell phones, tablets, smart home devices).Need Help Distinguishing between your router and modem? Click here! However, conducting your test right beside your router will help. If you are using a device that doesn’t have an ethernet port, a slightly lower speed is to be expected. Conducting a speed test over wi-fi will skew your results. Wi-Fi: When conducting a speed test, the best results are achieved when your device is connected to your modem directly.When it comes to speed tests, these are the variables to look out for: Remove Any Variablesīefore you embark on your test, you need to eliminate any variables that could throw it off. You don’t want anything other than the device you are using for testing to be taking up your bandwidth. When your device powers back on, do not open any new apps or windows. While you are waiting, restart the device you will be using to conduct your seed test. Then plug the modem back in and give it a few minutes to come back up. Restart your modem by unplugging it from the wall for 15-20 seconds. The first thing you always want to do when experiencing slow speeds is to restart your modem ( or modem router combo depending on your service). Get the Most Out of Your Connection with These Tips Restart Your Modem and Devices We will be using their seed test as an example later on in the post. It is an HTML5 speed test, and the most commonly used. Simply put, HTML5 speed tests cut out the middleman (Flash) and therefore remove the possible errors caused by its presence. HTML5 is unique because it allows programmers to create sophisticated multimedia experiences without the use of additional software, like Flash. HTML5 is the fifth version of HTML, a language (or code) used by programmers to build websites. Flash is a software owned by Adobe that developers use to build everything from video games to speed tests. It is estimated that flash-based speed tests are 40% less accurate than their HTML5 counterparts. This allows the speed test to measure your download, upload, and latency speeds. First, how does a speed test measure your bandwidth? When you initiate a speed test, packets of data are sent from your device to a local server, and then back again. How do speed tests work?īefore we dig in, let’s establish some foundational information. These tips can help you catch all the little details that might throw off your test so that you can get more accurate results. According to Lifewire, these inaccuracies are usually caused by an overlooked detail, like a poorly placed router or a full browser cache. However, many experts have found that speed tests are too often inaccurate. Speed tests are a great way to ensure you are getting the right amount of bandwidth through your connection. How to Get the Most Accurate Results from Speed Tests
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