If you search Google for “internet speed tests,” you’ll find a number of options available. Sluggish applications will interfere with your measurement.

Ping – a tool to measure latency between your computer and a remote destinationīe sure to close any extra applications (Photoshop, Spotify – we’re looking at you) before running your speed test.

Latency – the time (typically in milliseconds) it takes for your data to travel to its destination and return to you.

Megabits per second (Mbps) – a unit of measure for your bandwidth, similar to MPH for miles per hour.

Upload speed – how fast you send data to others, measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

Download speed – how fast you can pull data from the server to your location, measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

Your speed test results should match what’s stated in your ISP plan.

Also, different tests highlight different aspects of your connection. It’s a good practice to try multiple tests because the results can vary depending on your location and the time of day. Speed tests won’t tell you your absolute internet speed, but they will give you a close approximation. These tests are a quick way to isolate your ISP’s performance as a variable in the quality of your connection, and they can put your mind at ease. The test mimics your online activity in a controlled setting by downloading sample files and recording speeds. Speed tests measure your current connection’s maximum speed – how fast your device can upload and download information – by accessing nearby test servers. Speed tests are a good way to start troubleshooting, and they only take about a minute to complete. If you’re experiencing a slow internet connection, the first thing you should do is run a speed test.

Most of the time the internet in your office works great, but what do you do when it’s slow? Do you reboot the router? Unplug the modem? Your business needs a fast, reliable internet connection – but a game plan if something happens to that connection is important too.

My test speed