Frequently Asked Questions

Our speed tests are highly accurate and use industry-standard testing methods. However, results can vary based on several factors:

• Network congestion: More users on your network can slow speeds
• Device capabilities: Older devices may not achieve maximum speeds
• Browser performance: Different browsers may show slight variations
• Server distance: Tests to closer servers typically show better results

For best accuracy, close other applications, use a wired connection when possible, and run multiple tests.

There are several reasons why your actual speeds might be lower than advertised:

• Advertised vs. Real speeds: ISPs often advertise "up to" speeds under ideal conditions
• Network overhead: Protocol overhead reduces usable bandwidth
• WiFi limitations: Wireless connections are typically slower than wired
• Distance from router: Speed decreases with distance and obstacles
• Network congestion: Peak usage times can slow speeds
• Router age: Older routers may not support full speeds

Download Speed: How fast you can receive data from the internet (streaming, browsing, downloading files)

Upload Speed: How fast you can send data to the internet (video calls, uploading files, live streaming)

Most internet plans have faster download speeds than upload speeds because typical usage involves more downloading. However, activities like video conferencing and content creation require good upload speeds.

Ping measures latency - the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back. It's measured in milliseconds (ms).

• Excellent: Under 20ms
• Good: 20-50ms
• Fair: 50-100ms
• Poor: Over 100ms

Low ping is crucial for gaming, video calls, and real-time applications. High ping can cause lag and delays.

Here are proven ways to improve your WiFi speed:

• Router placement: Place in a central, elevated location
• Reduce interference: Keep away from microwaves, baby monitors
• Update firmware: Keep router firmware current
• Use 5GHz band: Less congested than 2.4GHz
• Limit connected devices: Too many devices can slow the network
• Upgrade equipment: Consider newer router with WiFi 6
• Use wired connections: For stationary devices requiring high speeds

We prioritize your privacy and collect minimal data:

• What we collect: Test results, general location (city/region), device type
• What we don't collect: Personal information, browsing history, specific addresses
• Data usage: Improve service quality and provide aggregate statistics
• Data retention: Anonymous test data may be kept for service improvement

Read our Privacy Policy for complete details.

Speed test results can vary due to:

• Network fluctuations: Internet traffic varies throughout the day
• Server selection: Different test servers may show different results
• Background activity: Other devices or apps using bandwidth
• ISP throttling: Some ISPs may prioritize or limit certain traffic
• Weather conditions: Can affect satellite and some cable connections

Run multiple tests at different times for a more accurate average.

Here are recommended speeds for common activities:

• Web browsing, email: 1-5 Mbps
• HD video streaming: 5-25 Mbps
• 4K video streaming: 25+ Mbps
• 8K video streaming: 50+ Mbps
• Video conferencing: 1-4 Mbps
• Online gaming: 3-6 Mbps (low ping more important)
• VR/AR applications: 25-50 Mbps
• Large file downloads: 50+ Mbps
• Cloud backup: 10-50 Mbps upload
• Smart home devices: 1-5 Mbps per device
• Multiple users/devices: 25-100+ Mbps
• Professional streaming: 10-50 Mbps upload

Here's a comprehensive comparison of WiFi standards:

WiFi 5 (802.11ac)

• Max Speed: Up to 3.5 Gbps
• Frequency: 5 GHz only
• Released: 2013
• Best for: Basic streaming and browsing

WiFi 6 (802.11ax)

• Max Speed: Up to 9.6 Gbps
• Frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
• Features: OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Target Wake Time
• Best for: Multiple devices, gaming, 4K streaming

WiFi 6E (802.11ax Extended)

• Max Speed: Up to 9.6 Gbps
• Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
• Advantage: Less congested 6 GHz band
• Best for: High-density environments, VR/AR

Router placement is crucial for optimal WiFi performance. Follow these expert tips:

Optimal Positioning

• Central location: Place in the center of your home
• Elevated position: Mount 5-7 feet high on a wall or shelf
• Open space: Avoid enclosed cabinets or closets
• Vertical orientation: Keep antennas perpendicular to the floor

Avoid These Locations

• Near metal objects: Refrigerators, filing cabinets
• Electronic interference: Microwaves, baby monitors
• Thick walls: Concrete, brick, or metal barriers
• Floor level: Reduces signal propagation
• Corners: Limits signal distribution

Advanced Tips

• Use WiFi analyzer apps to find the best channel
• Consider mesh systems for large homes
• Angle antennas at 45-90 degrees for multi-floor coverage
• Update firmware regularly for performance improvements

Multiple factors can influence your speed test results. Understanding these helps you get more accurate measurements:

Network Factors

• ISP throttling: Some providers limit speeds during peak hours
• Network congestion: More users = slower speeds
• Server distance: Closer test servers provide better results
• Peering agreements: How your ISP connects to other networks

Device & Connection

• WiFi vs Ethernet: Wired connections are typically faster
• Device age: Older devices may have slower network cards
• Browser choice: Some browsers handle tests differently
• Background apps: Updates and streaming affect results

Environmental Factors

• Time of day: Peak hours (7-11 PM) often show slower speeds
• Weather: Can affect satellite and some cable connections
• Physical obstacles: Walls, floors, and interference sources
• Network load: Other devices using bandwidth simultaneously

Follow this systematic approach to diagnose and fix slow internet speeds:

Step 1: Basic Checks

1. Run multiple speed tests at different times
2. Test on different devices (phone, laptop, tablet)
3. Compare WiFi vs Ethernet speeds
4. Check for background downloads or updates

Step 2: Router Troubleshooting

1. Restart your router and modem (unplug for 30 seconds)
2. Check router placement and remove obstacles
3. Update router firmware
4. Switch to 5GHz band if available
5. Change WiFi channel to avoid interference

Step 3: Advanced Diagnostics

1. Check for malware or viruses
2. Disable VPN temporarily
3. Clear browser cache and cookies
4. Test in safe mode or incognito browser
5. Contact ISP if issues persist

When to Call Your ISP

• Speeds consistently below 80% of advertised
• Frequent disconnections or timeouts
• Issues persist after all troubleshooting steps
• Problems affect multiple devices and connections

These terms are often confused but represent different aspects of network performance:

Bandwidth

• Definition: Maximum data transfer capacity of a connection
• Analogy: Width of a highway (more lanes = more capacity)
• Measurement: Mbps or Gbps
• Example: 100 Mbps internet plan

Throughput

• Definition: Actual data transfer rate achieved
• Analogy: Actual traffic flow on the highway
• Reality: Usually lower than bandwidth due to overhead
• Factors: Network congestion, protocol overhead, errors

Latency (Ping)

• Definition: Time for data to travel from source to destination
• Analogy: How long it takes to drive from point A to B
• Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
• Impact: Affects responsiveness, not speed

Why All Three Matter

• Streaming: Needs good bandwidth and throughput
• Gaming: Requires low latency more than high bandwidth
• Video calls: Benefits from all three being optimized
• File downloads: Primarily limited by throughput

This is normal for most internet connections. ISPs typically provide asymmetric connections where download speeds are higher than upload speeds because:

• Most users consume more content than they upload
• Streaming, browsing, and downloading require more download bandwidth
• Upload is mainly used for sending emails, video calls, and cloud backups
• It's more cost-effective for ISPs to allocate bandwidth this way

Typical ratios are 10:1 or 20:1 (download:upload). If you need higher upload speeds, consider business plans or fiber connections.

Mesh networks solve coverage issues by creating a unified network with multiple access points:

How Mesh Works

• Multiple nodes: 2-3+ devices work together as one network
• Seamless roaming: Devices automatically connect to the strongest signal
• Self-healing: Network adapts if one node fails
• Intelligent routing: Data takes the best path through the network

Advantages

• Eliminates dead zones: Coverage in every room
• Easy setup: Most systems use mobile apps
• Scalable: Add more nodes as needed
• Single network name: No switching between networks

Best For

• Large homes (2,500+ sq ft)
• Multi-story buildings
• Homes with thick walls or interference
• Users who want simple, reliable coverage

Securing your router is crucial for protecting your network and data. Enable these essential security features:

Essential Security Settings

• WPA3 encryption: Use the latest security protocol (WPA2 minimum)
• Strong admin password: Change default router login credentials
• Guest network: Separate network for visitors
• Firewall: Enable built-in firewall protection
• Automatic updates: Keep firmware current

Advanced Security

• MAC address filtering: Allow only specific devices
• VPN server: Secure remote access to your network
• Access control: Time-based internet restrictions
• DDoS protection: Block malicious traffic
• Port forwarding limits: Only open necessary ports

Regular Maintenance

• Change WiFi passwords every 6-12 months
• Review connected devices monthly
• Monitor network traffic for anomalies
• Disable WPS if not needed
• Turn off remote management unless required

QoS helps manage network traffic to ensure important applications get priority:

What QoS Does

• Traffic prioritization: Important data gets first priority
• Bandwidth allocation: Reserve bandwidth for specific applications
• Latency reduction: Minimize delays for real-time applications
• Congestion management: Prevent network slowdowns

Priority Levels (High to Low)

1. Voice/VoIP: Phone calls, video conferencing
2. Gaming: Online games requiring low latency
3. Video streaming: Netflix, YouTube, etc.
4. Web browsing: General internet usage
5. File transfers: Downloads, backups, updates

QoS Configuration Tips

• Set gaming and video calls to highest priority
• Limit bandwidth for file downloads during peak hours
• Use device-based QoS for family internet management
• Enable adaptive QoS for automatic optimization
• Monitor QoS effectiveness and adjust as needed

Modern routers broadcast on both frequency bands, each with distinct characteristics:

2.4GHz Band

• Range: Longer range, better wall penetration
• Speed: Lower maximum speeds (up to 150 Mbps)
• Interference: More crowded, shared with many devices
• Channels: Only 3 non-overlapping channels (1, 6, 11)
• Best for: IoT devices, smart home gadgets, long-range connections

5GHz Band

• Range: Shorter range, less wall penetration
• Speed: Higher speeds (up to 1+ Gbps)
• Interference: Less crowded, cleaner spectrum
• Channels: Many non-overlapping channels available
• Best for: Streaming, gaming, high-bandwidth activities

Choosing the Right Band

• Close to router: Use 5GHz for maximum speed
• Far from router: Use 2.4GHz for better coverage
• Through walls: 2.4GHz penetrates better
• High-speed needs: Always choose 5GHz when possible
• Smart devices: Many only support 2.4GHz