How to Test Your Internet Connection Speed

Many times we realize while doing our normal everyday internet activities that our computer is running slow. What a lot of us do not realize is that it is so simple to first, check on our connection speed.

The first thing you want to take a look at when your computer is not doing anything as fast as you would like is if you actually have the connection rate you are paying for. While it may sound like a daunting task, it is surprisingly easy.

There are many free sites that you can easily get an answer from in a matter of seconds. These sites will quickly give you your current upload and download speeds. This is not to say that your connection speed will be exact at every moment. The connection speed will constantly change depending on the total internet usage in your local area, and what other processes on your computer are currently accessing the internet.

Also, keep in mind that you most likely will never reach the connection speed that your internet provider says that you will get. The connection speed that they tell you is the maximum speed that they will allow you to receive. The way your ISP (internet service provider) regulates bandwidth, is by "throttling". "Throttling's" only purpose is to keep bandwidth from going ABOVE a certain level, it does not pay attention to how slow your bandwidth is under the level that you pay for.

Don't be surprised to see that your upload speed is much slower than your download, this is normal. Typically your upload speed will be about 10% of your download speed. Download speed is cheaper than upload speed.

The best way to find web sites to test your connection speed is to simply search "speedtest" or "speed test". A few of the best sites I have found are www.speedtest.net , www.internetfrog.com, and www.bandwidthplace.net. Once you have determined your connection speed, you will have a better idea of where to start troubleshooting. If your connection speed is slower than it should be, a quick easy starting point is to reset your internet connection to see if that fixes your problem. This can be done by unplugging your modem for ten seconds and plugging it back in. If you have a router you must unplug both then, plug in your modem first, wait for the internet light to come on then plug your router back in.