Internet connection speed is often the most hyped sales tools used by high speed internet providers to entice new customers. Along with download quotas, potential internet speed is the most talked about aspect of high speed internet providers offerings’.
Usually, the sales hype surrounding possible connection speed is referring to download speed, which is the speed at which data can be downloaded from the internet. Although upload speed, that is the speed at which the user can upload data via the internet, is also important, most discussions of connection speed are referring to the download speed.
What Affects Internet Connection Speed?
The challenge is however, differentiating the much-touted theoretical connection speed from actual internet connection speed achieved by the end user. The actual connection or download speed achieved by the end-user can be affected by many factors including, but most certainly not limited to, the following:
- Settings, hardware and software at the user’s end
- Distance from exchange in the case of DSL services
- Atmospheric conditions in the case of wireless access
- Interference in the case of wireless access
- Modem and router performance
Given the variability in internet speed briefly covered above, the ability to conduct an internet speed test can be of some benefit to the high speed internet subscriber, if only to validate the value or otherwise being provided by their high speed internet providers. Fortunately, testing internet speed can be free, fast and easy.
Internet Speed Test Software
One way of monitoring internet connection speed is to install software that allows the ongoing measurement and reporting, often in real-time, of upload and download speed. Some internet speed test software is listed below, by way of example only:
Unless the user has a specific need to monitor internet connection speed in real-time and on an ongoing basis, an easier option for measuring connection speed is most likely the use of an online internet speed test. The use of internet speed test websites is discussed below.
Online Internet Speed Test
Internet speed test websites offer an even easier way to test upload and download speed, without the need to install any software. Although far from an exhaustive list, below are a handful of free and popular internet speed test websites that offer users the ability to quickly test internet connection speed:
Rather than just providing an arbitrary measure of internet speed, a number of sites offer a helpful ability to compare results based on location and high speed internet providers. For example, a user can test their internet speed and then compare the result to local users or users with the same or similar high speed internet providers.
Internet Connection Speed – Some Further Information
Again, it’s important to emphasise that the connection speed advertised by high speed internet providers is the maximum download speed that could be achieved in perfect conditions. Rarely will an internet user reach exactly this speed, instead achieving an internet speed that falls somewhere below this maximum theoretical download speed, as a factor of the variants discussed above.
Although the above gives some broad indications of the connection speed achievable, there are countless websites online that provide far more detail than offered here. For more information on internet connection speed and, specifically, the connection speeds possible under different forms of high speed internet, try the following online sources of information.
- Compare Internet Service Provider (ISP) Connections: Speed Test
- McAfee Internet Connection Speedometer
- Internet Download Speed Test: How to Check Connection Speed
Ashley Wright - Ashley defines himself as a father, husband and writer, all roles that he cherishes. After spending a number of years in the workforce, in ...
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